If we have learned anything from this time of protracted legal wrangling, it is that words are very important. The importance of words, however, lies not only in their definition, but also the context in which they are used. Fear is often discussed in God's Word. In some places fear is condemned, yet elsewhere it is encouraged. The difference in these cases is the original meaning and context.

You correctly state that we should fear God (Deuteronomy 6:13). Godly fear, though, may be better understood as profound reverence. This reverence is our response to God's power (Joshua 4:23-24), goodness (1 Samuel 12:24), judgment (Revelation 14:7), and forgiveness (Psalm 130:4). Godly fear is also constructive, leading to wisdom (Proverbs 1:7), purity (Psalm 19:9), and satisfaction (Proverbs 14:27).

At other times fear implies dread, dismay or anxiety. This fear results from, among other things, disobedience (Genesis 3:10), suspicion (Acts 9:26), or even death (Hebrews 2:15). This type of fear is destructive, leading to demoralization (1 Samuel 13:5-8) and paralysis (Matthew 28:4).

Whether we admit it or not, we are born with a knowledge and fear of God (Romans 2:14-15). The difference is Jesus. If you choose to follow Jesus, your fear of God is liberating, otherwise it is debilitating (Galatians 5:1). Those who deny Him dread what they will one day find out. Those who proclaim Him revere what they already know

By Adrian Rogers. © 2006 Love Worth Finding Ministries. Website. www.lwf.org.

Dr. Adrian Rogers, preacher/teacher of Love Worth Finding Ministries, and one of America's most respected Bible teachers. Under his 32 years of pastoral leadership, Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN, grew from 9,000 members in 1972 to more than 29,000.

 Most important to Dr. Rogers have been the tens and thousands of believers who have had their faith strengthened and thousands of others who have for the first time entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Dr. Rogers passed away on November 15, 2005.