Proper Fear

Isaiah 51:7-8
(7) "Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings.
(8) For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool; but my righteousness will be forever, and my salvation to all generations."

I think just about all of our sin problems boil down to one of three things:

1. Pride of Life
2. Lust of the Eyes
3. Fear of Man

Pride is a pretty simple one, though it has been called the root of all sin. Our pride is ultimately what stops us from having a right relationship with God and others.

Lust of the eyes goes beyond just lust in the sense of pornography. It also describes materialism and envy. Gluttony would fall into this too. It is how we get ourselves into all kinds of trouble.

I think this passage speaks to the last one. Who ultimately gets the place of honor in your life? Is it God or man? It's easy to say that it's God, but when the chips are down do you really honor Him? Do you always give a clear witness for Him or do you sometimes let the opinion of others slow you down? Does the opinion of others sometimes influence how you act even to the point of committing some sin so that you might look better in their eyes?

I know that I certainly fall into this trap from time to time. This passage reminds me that God is ultimately in charge and He is the only one to whom we will ultimately have to give an account. We don't have to fear any man. Let's start living this way!