After Paul became a Christian and stopped persecuting the church, the church experienced a time of peace. It didn’t last long, but it was during this time that the church grew and became stronger. What made the church become stronger? It was how the people lived… in the fear of the Lord.
Would you say that the 21st century church is strong or weak? I believe the church is not as strong as it was in the 1st century. In fact, sometimes I believe it’s hanging by a thread. According to this verse, though, you and I (as believers) can make the church stronger… by living in the fear of the Lord.
So, what does it mean to live in the fear of the Lord? It means that we have a deep reverence and awe for God’s authority, holiness, and justice. This word reverence could be translated “respect.” I grew up in the church, and I can honestly say that I believe the reverence for God is hard to find in our modern world. We see this every Sunday when we go to church. People, even those serving, wear their everyday clothes… holy jeans, baggy clothes, t-shirts… etc. Now hear me… I realize that sometimes the greeters are required to wear t-shirts that represent the church. That’s not what I’m talking about.
Think of it this way. If we were invited to the White House to have dinner with the President of the United States, would we wear our ragged jeans and wrinkly shirts? No! We would wear our “Sunday best.” We would probably go out and buy brand new clothes. Why? It’s a sign of respect for the House, the President, and the position. So, why do we treat the house of the Lord differently? Jesus said to those selling merchandise in the Temple courts: “My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations, but you have turned it into a den of thieves” (Mark 11:17). He was declaring that His House should be treated with reverence and respect.
When I was growing up, we always dressed up for church. We didn’t have a lot of money for a family of six, but my mom always bought us new Sunday clothes for Easter. I have pictures of my sisters and me standing in front of the house with our new hats, new dresses, fancy socks, and new patent leather shoes. And I was the only one carrying my Bible. Still am. I believe that our reverence for God should translate into our appearance when we walk through the doors of God’s house on Sundays. Of course, our heart condition is a huge part of that appearance.
Let’s live in the fear of the Lord so we can be a pillar to make the church stronger. Let’s be intentional about showing respect for the One who sits on the highest throne. Let’s look at it as a GREAT privilege. Hope this encourages you today.