March 12, 2017 | Tom Dunham
Passage: Proverbs 1:7
Live As Though God Is Sitting On Your Shoulder!
The fear of the LORD is beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
We make mistakes and have regrets when we act as though no one sees.
The fear of the Lord: The continual awareness that I am in the presence of a holy, just, and almighty God, and that every thought, word, and deed is open before Him. Or, more simply: “God sees me!”
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3
To live as though God is sitting on my shoulder is to listen to my conscience – which is quickened as I read read/memorize the Bible.
- Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11
- But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:14
Benefits of living as though God is sitting on my shoulder:
- Longer life – The fear of the LORD prolongs day … 10:27
- Less sin - … by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil. 16:6
Þ In fact, we will actually grow to hate sin: The fear of the LORD is to hate evil … 8:13
- Abundant living – The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to avoid the snares of death. 14:27
- Confidence & protection in life – In the FOTL there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge. 14:26
- Blessing for our children – The righteous man walks in his integrity (FOTL); his children are blessed after him. 20:7
- Riches, honor, and life – By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life. 22:4
- Praise for the godly wife - … a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. 31:30
The importance for a thorough education … … see also Romans 1:21-23
He feared man so little because he feared God so much.
Inscription at the grave of John Lawrence – Westminster Abbey
“That one day I will have to give account of myself to God.”
Daniel Webster, when asked, “What is the greatest single thought that ever occupied your mind?”