Connect the Dots

It says in Proverbs 9:9-11, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

I read this morning in Proverbs 17:10, "A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred blows into a fool."

Isaiah 33:6 says, "He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure."

(All of these scriptures are taken from the NASB, by the way)

I guess what I got out of these three verses after "connecting the dots" is this:

1. Fear of the Lord LEADS to Understanding God's ways
2. Understanding God's ways LEADS to Tenderness Toward Convictions
3. Tenderness Toward Convictions LEADS to Adherence to Rebukes
4. Adherence to Rebukes LEADS to Obedience
5. Obedience LEADS to Spiritual Growth
6. Spiritual Growth LEADS to Intimacy with Jesus (a rich store of salvation)

I don't know about anyone else, but my ultimate goal is to become more intimate in my relationship with Jesus so learning about the fear of the Lord excites me! My prayer is that everyone at GCC will make this connection as we continue to explore this topic. If the fear of the Lord is really as foundational as it seems to be, is it any wonder why so many people find themselves hindered in their relationship (or lack of relationship) with the Lord.

I don't believe it's because they don't have good intentions. I simply think many lack this fear out of ignorance, which hinders their understanding of the deep things of God. You know what the old saying, "the road to Hell is paved with good intentions." I believe God is a rewarder of our good works- not our good intentions. (That's a whole different topic that I'll save for another time.)