(Proverbs 9:10 KJV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Usually when we refer to this verse we focus on the first part. It is a powerful statement, but only the “beginning” (8462) . There are a lot of questions that come up that are complex and require more thinking. What is the place of capital punishment? Can Christians support the Second Amendment? Why did God command the destruction of cities?
We tend to try to answer these questions on our own instead of really looking to the Lord. Many of the issues we struggle with are locked up in His holiness when we are trying to look at His love. God is love, true. He is also holy and that opens a whole vista of modifications on the ideas we have cemented into our thinking. A holy God cannot accept sinful behavior. His love does not trump His holiness.
So? Drop the squishy, popular idea of God being a warm Teddy Bear. He is a holy God. Remember this verse starts with fear and ends with understanding. Life is like that.
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2 comments:
So often, I hear people say "MY god wouldn't do" such and such (usually some version of holding unrepentant sinners responsible). I'm sorry to say that THEIR god probably wouldn't.
All I can say it, "Ouch!" That is too true. Another line that lights my indignity is "God wouldn't ask me to do that."
Grace and peace.
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