The Bible does say that we ought to fear God. The reason for this being that in showing fear of punishment of sins, we will walk in His set path. However, when doing this, we will come to learn the value of this walk and what it means to be righteous. I think the reason a fear of the Lord is required of us is because we are sinners. If we had not sinned in the garden, perhaps that would not be the case today because we would then already walk the righteous path. But we sinned and now have to find our way back. And if we are content with our wicked lives, then we will show no concern with trying to reach our perfection. Hence, to fear losing our way, God's way, is to walk upright and be righteous until that glorious day we reach our perfection. To fear the Lord means that one shows not only concern for punishment, but a fear of losing ones way. It also shows submission to the Lord's will and the rejection of your own. This will also please Him because in doing this, you are proving to God that you acknowledge your sins and your sinful nature and have a new desire to change and be what you are meant to be: Holy, even as the Lord your God is holy. But in trying to convince someone that the end is near, it can be tricky. I think trying to subtly show clues and reciting scripture and showing the physical manifestations (as there are many) of the signs is a good way. But of course, I am but a man. So there are things that I may find suitable and good that God may disagree with. I try to talk about the end times with family and others alike. Most don't receive it with open arms, but the Lord never said it would be easy. But I know that if I could wake up and see what's going on around us, others can too. So I have got to try. Remember what God had said of the watchmen. He said very clearly that if a man knows of an approaching danger and he warns not the people who are to be effected, their blood will be on your hands. But if we warn them and they choose not to listen, we are absolved of guilt because they themselves chose not to listen. I've said this before and I'll say it again. Being a true, honest Christian is the hardest thing on Earth to do. It means saying things a sinful world doesn't want to hear. It means having a willingness to offer love and forgiveness to those that have seriously hurt and mistreated you, even if they don't return it and are instead cold or unfeeling. Do you know how hard it is to TRULY forgive EVERYBODY? Think of someone right now that has REALLY done a number on you. Do you think that at this very moment, right now, that you could get up and go see them, Face to face, and say, "I forgive you... and I love you. I hope the best for you." If you couldn't do it, then you see how far you yet have to go. I am not trying to say I'm perfect. Trust me, I've got plenty that come to mind that have wronged me and sometimes if I sit and think of them long enough, and remember too much, I can still get upset. Idk. It's a hard road for us Christians. But remember what Jesus said, "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." - Matthew 19:26
Sorry the post is so long and I got a little off topic. At any rate, I hope all of you find your strength in walking this rocky road. It's tough, but you are not the only one. That's another thing to remember. There is strength in numbers. And Jesus told us we should get together and help each other. We are all parts of one body. It's good when we get together and function as a team. Keeps the body moving and alive.
