Having the fear of the Lord
...for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:2-7 Christians are in danger to give in and conform to the things of the world. God commanded believers to not conform to the things of this world. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world” (Romans 12:2). God, through King Solomon in the book of Proverbs, gave a valuable principle that will help believers to not conform to the pattern of this world. It is by having the fear of the Lord within the life of a Christian that will provide deterrence in not giving in to temptation. Those who will not take God seriously and will perceive Him as non-threatening father will treat their sin lightly. Their attitude of worship will become unenthusiastic that it will later become nonexistent. They will start to rely more on their own wisdom rather that God’s. King Solomon learned by experience the futility of trusting one’s own wisdom over God’s wisdom. “Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind” (Ecc. 1:17). God knew that you could only live the Christian life by completely surrendering yourself to His leading. This includes having a healthy reverence to the holy God. You will find it convenient just to focus on one aspect of God’s character which is love and yet ignore that He is just and will not condone sin. “Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness” (Romans 11:22). Do not let yourself be overcome by your conformity to the ways of the world, instead let God develop within you the holiness that comes from having the fear of God. “Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil” (Proverbs 16:6). So when you noticed that you are behaving in a manner that frequently ignores God’s command and becoming comfortable with sin, you are not yielding to the working of the Holy Spirit in your life. “walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
Blessings.
