When my kids were little, I wanted them to be fearful of some things.

I wanted them to be afraid to touch the oven door when it was hot, of snakes so they wouldn’t get bitten, and of swimming without their life jacket on until we were sure they could do so safely. I wanted them afraid because I didn’t want them to suffer the serious consequences that would certainly follow if the fear weren’t there.

To instill a healthy fear in my kids, I had to warn them repeatedly of what would happen if they weren’t afraid, but even more importantly, they had to believe me. They had to trust that I was telling the truth for their own protection, out of my love for them.

That’s the way it is with us and God. He knows the pain, suffering, and spiritual death that results when we choose to live apart from Him in disobedience to His commands.

The fear of getting burnt, bitten, or drowning was enough to keep my kids safe. That was a good thing, but it doesn’t even begin to compare to the greatness of what is in store for those who humbly fear God and give glory to Him.