I think this is similar to the teaching that, "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom". And yet, Paul teaches that perfect love casts out all fear. I think the key is that fear is only meant to be the beginning of wisdom. Perhaps, in the beginning we only obey God because we're afraid of being punished. That's not necessarily a bad motivation. But ideally, over time, we'll start to obey not because we're afraid, but because we've come to recognize that God's ways are worth following just because they are right. We're meant to grow out of being motivated by fear, into being motivated by appreciation and respect.
I think the same can be said for recognizing our badness. It's an important part of our spiritual development and something we need to be able to do at any given moment. But I think God doesn't really want an army of dejected followers. I can imagine that this process is probably one of the more unpleasant for God. Who wants to listen to people always putting themselves down? Falling to our knees in tears can be pretty humbling but that action in itself doesn't equate to practical change, which I think is what God would appreciate more than tears and heartfelt prayers.
We need to recognize when we've done wrong, but also to keep in mind that we are created to be good.
I know what you mean, but I think it is good to remember that you are a sinner, and can't do anything apart from yourself. I like the quote of John Newton's about himself in his old age "I remember two things, what a great sinner I am and what a great Saviour He is." Keeping the knowledge that we are sinners in need of a Saviour makes Him more beautiful. The more we feel our need of Him, the more precious He becomes.
I don't think it is the same as being paralyzed with dejection. There is a danger of "reverse pride" being humiliated rather than humble.
Before he was saved, John Newton was a pretty bad dude- owner or captain of a slave ship and into all kinds of riotous behavior. But after he was saved, he wrote the hymn "Amazing Grace" and became a pastor. In the film Amazing Grace, they have him depicted as a monk type scrubbing the church floor and not ever getting over the fact that he was responsible for the deaths and misery of thousands of Africans. That was THE ONLY part of the film I did not like. He wasn't like that at all. He was married, a pastor, and so kind to a depressed young man, William Cowper, that he became a father figure to him. From what I read, Newton was a happy, and friendly man. He wasn't paralyzed by his sin- crying every day- but he did not forget it.
I don't think we are created to be good, but created to let God's goodness show through us as we have no goodness. To be empty vessels willing to be used by Him. Cracked pots willing to be filled with His light and let the light shine through the cracks.
I have heard "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" mean the reverence if the Lord, not fear as in being scared of God and what He can do. No one who is saved is afraid of God.
Unless the verse is being directed to the unsaved, which it may be. I have not read the context.
