HOPE FOR THE HOME: Losing the fear of God

Father: Our son recently came home from his university, troubled by what he had heard in class. He said one of his professors regularly criticizes Christianity and uses every opportunity to challenge the doctrines of Christianity. Most recently, the professor ridiculed the idea of God’s holiness, dismissing a belief that is central to the Christian faith. I am proud of my son for standing up in class, defending his faith, and respectfully challenging his professor to debate the doctrines of the scriptures.

Jerry: Your son and all Christian college and university students who are willing to speak out in defense of their faith are to be commended. Our culture increasingly reflects a loss of reverence for God. This is more than a shift in public opinion; it reveals a deeper spiritual condition that treats the holiness of God casually and dismisses biblical truth as optional or outdated. Psalm 2:1, asks that insightful question, “Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing?” The answer is this: there is no fear of the Almighty in their hearts. This lack of holy fear, soulful respect, and divine wonder has created casual indifference, superficial spirituality, and intentional disregard for God, His Son, and His Word. In our nation there are those who call themselves “believers” who no longer believe that God disciplines and judges His people. Their “Who am I to judge?” approach leaves little room for the God who said, “Will you not tremble at My presence…” (Jeremiah 5:22)? Why should we tremble? Because of His holiness. Since Moses was commanded to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground, how much more should all people approach that same holy God with awe, wonder, and reverence.

Becky: Your son’s willingness to stand up in class and defend his faith speaks well of the spiritual training he experienced at home. We have often shared with our children, “If you put the word of God in your heart, He will bring it out when the occasion calls for it.” The holiness of God incorporates a life of abundance, “I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). It also includes a life of judgment, “And when He, Holy Spirit, (my insert) has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness and of judgment” … (John 16:8).  

His divine love and His righteous judgment demand we respond as did Isaiah when he found himself in the presence of God and cried out, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts…” (Isaiah 6:5). Your son has found out that we live in a culture where many no longer fear God. They are often found among those who carry the title, “professor.” I thank God for students who stand firm in their beliefs and are willing to defend them with conviction, even when challenged by those in authority.

Jerry and his wife Becky are on American Family Radio weekdays at 4:20 PM (CT) and on Sundays at 5:35 PM (CT). You can freely subscribe to their podcast at Apple Podcast, Spotify, or directly at HopoefortheHome.org/podcast. Check out their resources for the family at HopefortheHome.org. Becky’s latest book, “The Bright Side of Blue” and Dr. Drace’s, “44 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage” offer biblical principles and timely advice for dealing with the challenges and trials of life. You may order these and other resources by contacting them at: hopefor thehome@juno.com, or directly at: jdeainc@juno.com.