The Stimuli of Reverence & Fear of God

​The increasing crime rate in some areas in the Philippines reflects not only the lack of fear before authorities but also the lack of fear of God. It is surprising that some people are unafraid to commit crimes in broad daylight and even in the presence of law enforcers. The Scriptures tell us not to be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. It shows that those who are perpetrators of crimes are mindful only of the temporary punishment that a court of law may impose. They have forgotten the God who is the Judge of all with the power to punish disobedience eternally.

It is not an excuse that these people have not known God. All people have conscience where the light of God goes. This will help them distinguish right from wrong even without knowing fully the penal laws. The consciousness of God as a judge other than as compassionate and merciful must be strongly active in one’s heart and mind. This will lead any one to render reverence to God Almighty. It will create a holy fear that will serve as a guide how a person conducts himself or herself. It will avoid a person from misbehaving. Just as a people render respect to earthly kings, so with the King of kings. If we can lie prostrate before a royal family on earth, so with Him, the Creator of heaven and earth.
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In the Philippines, we are aware of the fact that we are oftentimes visited by typhoons, earthquakes, and other calamities. Some say that these catastrophes are unavoidable due to the location of the country beside the Pacific Ocean. Others say that these are caused by climate change. However, we believe that nothing happens on earth unless God permits. From this standpoint that these circumstances were known as force majeure or acts of God. If we recognize that these are wake-up call of God, we will decide to reform. It is just sad to think that people are heedless to these great awakening that they remain stubborn. They remain steadfast in their wicked ways and unmoved by the consequential effects of their wrongful acts.

People of this kind even wish that their place be declared under state of calamity as they are after the rehabilitation funds and donation that will be released to their areas. They kept constructing infrastructure projects that are substandard unaffected by the resulting number of casualties and damages when disaster comes. This type of people should not be envied as they are walking in a slippery path. They may be enriched today but destruction awaits them. The wickedness of the wicked will come to an end but God will establish the just. The call of God for repentance never changed. If we humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, He will hear from heaven and heal our land. We must not lose sight of Him who is calling us to live a holy life. We must have reverence and fear of God before it is too late.