At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission is to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.” We achieve this through our “Just 3” approach: Study, Share, and Serve. In this blog post, we will explore the foundation of a virtuous life, which is the fear of the Lord, as inspired by one of Jim’s sermons.
The Fear of the Lord: A Deep Reverence
Proverbs 1:7 (NIV) states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” The fear of the Lord is not about being terrified of God but having a deep reverence and respect for Him. It means acknowledging His sovereignty and aligning our lives according to His will.
Reverence for God
The word reverence literally means a deep respect for someone or something. Psalm 33:8 (NIV) says, “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him.” Reverence for God involves recognizing His greatness and majesty. It means honoring Him in our thoughts, words, and actions.
The Almighty God
Jim reminds us that God is not a weak, manipulative deity. He is the Almighty God who created the heavens and the earth and everything that we are. Isaiah 40:28 (NIV) says, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.” This understanding of God’s power and majesty should inspire a sense of awe and reverence in us.
Living a Virtuous Life
Living a virtuous life involves more than just following a set of rules. It requires a deep, personal relationship with God, characterized by wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. Proverbs 9:10 (NIV) states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” By fearing the Lord, we gain the wisdom and understanding needed to live a life that pleases Him.
Practical Steps to Live a Virtuous Life
- Study God’s Word: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Studying God’s Word helps us to understand His will and gain the wisdom needed to live a virtuous life.
- Share God’s Love: Matthew 5:16 (NIV) instructs, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Sharing God’s love with others helps to spread His message and reflect His love to the world.
- Serve Others: Galatians 5:13 (NIV) says, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Serving others is a practical way to live out our faith and demonstrate God’s love in action.
Conclusion
The foundation of a virtuous life is the fear of the Lord. By having a deep reverence and respect for God, we can gain the wisdom and understanding needed to live a life that pleases Him. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we strive to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us” through our “Just 3” approach: Study, Share, and Serve. By studying God’s Word, sharing His love, and serving others, we can live a virtuous life that honors Him.
