2 types of fear

Every person struggles with and is afraid of something. Spiders, snakes or needles, we all struggle and are scared of something. As Tonya and I continue to read books that prepare our hearts for parenting, we learned that there are 6 types of fear that dictate the theology of parents and how they raise their kids: Fear of everything, Behavior Modification, Image control, High Control, Herd Mentality, Duct Tape, 911 support. It is sad that we are all susceptible to letting our fears dictate following Christ or how we raise our children, but it is nonetheless apparent, relevant and costly. But there is good news: The Bible discusses 2 kinds of "FEAR" that are essential to raising one’s children. The word "fear" in the Bible, for a majority of the time, refers to two kinds of attitudes, or mentality that we must have: a humble, respect to His almighty power, or a "be scared to death of His power because He is God." Both are powerful and can be seen in how a parent discusses God with their children. In Proverbs, the word "fear" is used over 40 times and is the central theme to the book. In fact, without the "fear of the Lord" one is considered a fool that will soon find his own folly because of sin and an imperfect view of God. If we bottom line all this, it would be that the "fear of the Lord" (in both a respect, as well as a terrified sense) and a relationship with Christ is so closely linked that it is virtually synonymous with living for Him. Parents must teach their children to fear—both respect God’s power over their lives, as well as tremble at His power. In fact, kids should fear (be terrified) the consequences of their sin because it is unacceptable to a holy God. We seem to have lost the fear of God (in both uses of the word) and replaced it with a fear of offending another.

 

To our child, we did not pray for your education, your friends or even what sport you would play. No my precious one. We began to pray that we would train you to fear the Lord, to lean on that healthy fear, because "The fear of the lord is a fountain of life" (proverbs 14:27)

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