We don’t teach our children to fear a kind grandfather or Santa Claus, do we? Why then would we teach them to fear God? First of all, the comparison of God with grandfathers or Santa Claus is degrading nearly to the point of slander. As [D.A. Carson] notes, “The sentimental view generates a deity with all the awesome holiness of a cuddly toy.” Second, fearing God is not the same as being afraid of God. The person who fears God in the biblical sense is maintaining a humble reverence for His glory, majesty, dominion, and authority. The person who fears God recognizes that He is not only the Giver of all good things, but also the Lord of the universe and the Judge of sinners. He is the One who creates, and He is the One who has the power to destroy. He is the One who rewards, and He is the One who disciplines. Fearing God, in other words, is the sobering recognition that He is not to be trifled with.
— Daryl Wingerd, Pastor und Autor
Topics: God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit, Humility & Pride, Wisdom & Understanding
Occasions: For Reflection
Daryl Wingerd
Daryl Wingerd ist ein US-amerikanischer reformatorisch-baptistischer Pastor und Autor, der seit 2001 als Gemeindeleiter in Missouri tätig ist und theologische Schriften veröffentlicht. Er steht für eine calvinistische Bekehrungstheologie und biblische Seelsorge, wobei seine strikte theologische Ablehnung jeglicher Wiederheirat nach einer Scheidung kontrovers diskutiert wird. Bibellesern vermittelt er pointierte seelsorgerliche Impulse zu Themen wie Gebet, Gottesfurcht und christlicher Lebensführung.
All quotes by Daryl Wingerd (15)
You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.
Augustine of Hippo
Jesus calls us not to a new religion, but to life.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I would not be able to seek you if you had not already found me.
Augustine of Hippo
When you see a child, you catch God in the act.
Martin Luther
God does not love us because we are lovable, but because his nature is love.
Oswald Chambers
God seeks you more than your offering.
Augustine of Hippo
God has his ear at your heart.
Augustine of Hippo
God is closer to us than we are to ourselves.
Augustine of Hippo