The fear of the Lord is the hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. Proverbs 8:13   

We are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Ephesians 2:10  

Fear of the Lord, that is a phrase we see often in the Bible; Proverbs often uses the phrase. It does not mean that we are trembling in fearfulness of what God might do to us, whenever we misbehave. Rather it is more a submissive, respectful honoring. We recognize God’s holiness and goodness, and we realize that He is the opposite of evil. According to the proverb, this evil includes pride, arrogance and perverted speech. These are things we should hate. Proverbs also says that the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 1:7)  

OK, we can hate all this evil, then what? It seems there should be more – not just a hatred of evil, but proactive actions we can take. Paul writes to the Ephesians with what it is we should be doing. We should be out there in the world doing “good works.” That short phrase has been associated with some negative connotations. After all, as Lutherans, we believe we can’t earn our way to heaven and salvation by doing these good works. So, what is Paul talking about?  

It helps to back up a couple verses and read Ephesians 2:8-9. They read: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” Our salvation is a gift from God. As Paul says, we are what God has made us. Made us in His image so that we can do the work He has planned for us. That would be good works, done because of what God has done for us through grace. What God has planned for our lives – not just to focus on hating evil, but to show our care and concern for others through our actions.   

Creator God, we celebrate the care by which you have forged our hearts and minds. Lord Jesus Christ, you created us to do good work, and hate evil. So often we don’t do this. Strengthen us to hate evil and inspire us to love good instead. Empower and show us where and how to do your good work today. May we love as you first loved us. Amen  

Chris Gabel   

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party