Fear God and Give Him Glory

Today's full reading: Revelation 14

"Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, 'Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.'" (Revelation 14:6-7 NIV)

How are we supposed to live our lives? Many people believe (and I agree) that we should live according to the Bible, the Word of God. Thus, they (and I) believe that the Bible is a guide book for holy living, a message from our creator about how we have been created to live.

That being the case, what is the bottom line summary of how we are to live? Jesus summarizes the law into two simple, yet profound, commands by quoting Deuteronomy 6:8, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind" and Leviticus 19:18, "Love your neighbor as yourself."

But what other terms can adequately describe and summarize how we should live? I love what the angel says in today's reading, "Fear God and give him glory" (Revelation 14:6). It reminds me of the God given wisdom of Solomon as recorded in the last two verses of Ecclesiastes. "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NIV)

Today, as an act of worship, worship God with a humble heart, knowing that God is infinitely worthy of our praise. Our lives should be completely leveraged for His glory not our own.

Let these words sink in, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:13 NIV)