Mistaken Beliefs

MISTAKEN BELIEFS

Part 2 of 3 in Loving God Series

Deuteronomy 10:12-13

“And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?”

Bobby shared something with his fourth grade classmates at recess, “I think that I love God because He’s so powerful. I fear Him.” Bobby threw a softball to Jules.

Catching the ball, Jules replied, “So you’re afraid of God!” She dropped the ball in her gloved hand, and paused, thoughtful. “I’m not sure that fearing God is the same as loving Him,” She said, and threw the ball to Greg.

Greg caught the ball, adding, “God gave us lots of commands. We shouldn’t fear Him when He punishes us for sins (Hebrews 2:2). I love God because He sent Jesus to save me from my sins,” he said as he threw the ball back to Bobby.

These nine year olds have stumbled on the first mistaken belief. Fearing God is not the same thing as loving Him. The opening Scripture advises believers to fear God, and love God with our whole beings. But the word "fear" does not mean terror or dread, fright or panic.

For our awesome God, whom humans cannot fully grasp, "fear" means reverence, or respect. God is omnipotent. [Om-NIP-o-tent means all-powerful, invincible, supreme]. God is omniscient. [Om-NEESH-ent means all-knowing]. God is omnipresent. [Om-ni-PRES-ent means that He’s everywhere]. God is also infinite. [IN-fin-it means having no end. He’s unlimited, immeasurable, boundless]. He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last (Revelation 1:8).

Acknowledging these attributes about God is different than loving Him. (But it does promote reverence and respect for Him). Needing God does not equal loving God. Serving others, telling people about God and how Jesus offers us eternal life show believers’ gratitude for God’s abundant blessings. Service does not earn God’s love nor show our love for Him (Matthew 25:31-46).

What is true love for God?

Take Home Nugget

People want to spend time with those they love. We want to be near and see their faces. We speak to them on the phone, or write them letters when we’re far away. We want the same things for loved ones that they want.

Those who seek God’s face are those who love Him. Those who love God pray to Him, rest in Him, obey Him, and strive for the same things He wants.

Loving God is striving to live obediently, so that we spend eternity with Him in heaven.

JD Griffith

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