Four Problems of Not Fearing the Lord
Carol McClain
My friend pastors a small country church. Recently, about four RVs, belonging to church members, pulled up in front of the church–blocking the view from the road. The RV owners decided to camp out here all year. One member has a key to the church, and uses it for the bathroom. They get their water from the church’s supply.
When asked to leave by the pastor, they refused. Their intention is to leave their oversized vehicles in front of the church and thus avoid storage fees, camping fees, water and sewage fees.
Beyond these facts, I won’t indulge in more. The point of this post isn’t gossip. It’s a reminder.
The camper owners are Christian who seem to forget that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” I suppose they proclaim they are under grace. Once saved–always saved–so no obligation on their part. They are doing what they want without regard of others. They’ve forgotten the fear of the Lord.
So, since they are still Christian, still saved by grace, God doesn’t mind, and they are in no danger.
No danger of losing their salvation, but in danger of gathering burning coals to their hearts.
Problems of Not Fearing the Lord
- You get into trouble. This is the least of their problems. This group of “gypsies” can end up with tickets or worse, their vehicles towed along with the tickets issues.
- The loss of respect. The wisdom of the world tells us to get all we can. The cheaper and easier the better. That isn’t the way of Christ. Those who know these people understand they are not nice and certainly not behaving like Christians.
- Your testimony is tarnished. Is this how Christians are supposed to be? The sinful world looks to people like these and cast aspersions on all Christians. Who is the one group that Hollywood believes it’s right to besmirch? Yep. Us.
- God’s anger toward sin. We know God is righteous, yet by accepting the gift of salvation–acknowledgement of Christ’s sacrifice and repentance of sin–will grant us eternal life. Implied in this gift, we are to strive to be good. Even though being perfect as God is perfect isn’t possible, this should be our intent. The hypocrisy of these Christians incurs God’s anger.
Fear Romans 1:18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
We have liberty in grace. We are not saved by works. However, what image do we want others to see?
What happens when the person you love changes, but your love for them doesn’t?
Sometimes love looks different than we ever expected.
1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
4 Comments
Author Carol McClain
Carol, I can sooooo identify with #3! I tell myself that God will deal with people like these in His own time and way. However, I feel like telling God to put the pedal to the metal and correct this situation like right this minute! Also, love comes in so many ways that Corinthians 13:13 is a verse we need to remember every day.
One thing that strikes me with Christians like these is that God does not bar us entrance to heaven because we sin. When people like this die, isn’t God going to Say, “Well done my good and faithful servant, welcome into the joy of the Lord.”
I expect those words with my death, and heaven knows my sin (as do those who know me).
This is good, Carol. Just because we can doesn’t mean we should…What a witness, and I don’t mean that in a good way.
Some of the critisism directed toward us is justified. In my first church, we can’t expect sloppy agape. God expects us to be upright.