Our thinking determines what we will do with our lives and where we will spend eternity. One of the most important aspects of our thinking is our attitudes towards the Lord. The Bible indicates that proper thinking really starts with "the fear of the Lord."
The Bible tells us that "the fear of the Lord" is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:27) and that "the fear of the Lord" is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Knowledge is information, and wisdom is understanding of how to properly apply knowledge.
The Bible is revealing to us that the first important piece of information a person needs in relation to life is the fear of the Lord. The Bible is also saying that true wisdom starts by placing the Lord in the proper place in our lives.
One definition of the fear of the Lord is "to show reverence to God by conformity to His will." I think the word conformity is important. Notice that the definition did not say "to show reverence to God" by obeying His will, but "by conforming to it." It seems that conformity deals with the both the outward and the inward. A person could outwardly obey but not be in conformance in their heart.
True fear of the Lord will result in a reverence that comes from both the inner and outer man. David said, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight..." (Psalm 19:14). Let's make sure our attitudes towards the Lord includes "the fear of the Lord." "The fear of the Lord" will get you to heaven.
