Forty Days Full - An Invitation To Real Life

Day Fifteen: Fear

“But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” (Genesis 3:9-10 NIV)

“ T he fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Prov. 9:10), but it sure isn't the end of wisdom, nor the middle. God gave the command not to eat of the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. This warning rightly put a healthy respect for God in Adam. God had drawn a line in the sand. But, this reverence for God and His commands is not the same fear that comes from sin. When my children were little it was good for them to have a healthy respect for my wife and I. They knew from experience that there were consequences to certain behaviors. That's a far cry from a child being terrified of an abusive father. Those who have that kind of terror regarding God don't know Him and are misguided by their fears. Fear is the currency of darkness. Everything that happens in that kingdom can be traced back to a motive that is fueled by fear. It is how to get things done. The demonic hoard including Satan are afraid. They're afraid of punishment. They have lost their connection to God which was their connection to everything good. In the absence of love there is fear. Adam and Eve tasted this disconnect after eating the wrong fruit. They're inner spirit-man was untainted until this moment. All they had known was the approval, blessing and affection from Love itself. For God is Love. Their willful act of disobedience changed their relationship to God. When this affectionate