Jeremiah 2:19 has this to say about that: “Think it over and see how evil…it is for you to…have no fear of Me.” Whoa…it’s evil NOT to fear the Lord? Uh huh.
We’ve heard all our lives that to fear means to respect, but with God it is a reverent respect that is strong or deep enough to stop us from doing what displeases Him. Have you heard someone say, “____ but the fear of God in him/her!” Sadly, that statement is more of a joke that is today. We’re commonly more afraid of hurting someone’s feelings or offending a loved one.
One author wrote, “People casually take His name in vain, defy His moral standards, ridicule those who take Him too seriously, and have a ‘don’t-call-me-I’ll call you’ attitude towards Him. When people are desperate, they’ll talk to Him – often with indignation that He let them get into this mess in the first place – but otherwise He’s treated as a senile grandfather who smiles with affection at everyone.” (Ouch!)
THAT is not fearing the Lord…something the Lord says is evil, which is sin. And like all sins, this one has consequences that are severe.
Suddenly, I’m afraid that I’m not afraid enough of the awesome Creator and Judge of the Universe.