Fear God, Love God, and Serve God

On the 4th of April, we had a special fellowship for some of the serving ones in India concerning a certain situation that transpired with one of the serving brothers. The situation was serious and a serious fellowship was called for. I had no idea what the fellowship was meant for until a senior brother brought the matter to light. As a preparation for the matter to be dispensed in a wise way, he gave a sober word of love to all those present at the fellowship.

In Matthew 16:16, 18, 19, there was the revelation concerning Christ, the church, and the keys of the kingdom of the heavens. Along with these words, there was also the mentioning of the gates of Hades. Wherever and whenever the church is being builded up, there and then the enemy also tries his best to destroy the builded church. But he will not prevail! This was the situation that has been faced by one of the largest local churches in India. There was an inward attack on a particular serving one through certain brothers who were yet to learn the lesson of the cross. As a result, this brother has been very much weakened. Therefore, in fellowship, he has decided to withdraw from some of his official services in the local church and also in the coordination of the Lord's work. 

From this incident, a senior brother led us to learn some serious lessons about fearing God. The Lord Jesus Christ is the anointed One. So also are many serving ones who have been anointed by the Lord. We must fear God and respect the anointing upon all the ones who are anointed. David had a reverential fear of God regarding Saul, though Saul had lost the kingship, nevertheless, he was the anointed one of God. David respected and honored the anointing and was blessed. So also was with Shem and Japeth, unlike Ham who exposed the nakedness of their father.  When one has been anointed, we must never presume authority, nor overestimate ourselves. One should never think highly of himself. 

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think, but to think so as to be sober-minded, as God has apportioned to each a measure of faith. Romans 12:3

Though one might have been anointed, there is a possibility of losing the anointing as a result of not fearing God. We should be fearful of God. There were brothers like Barnaba, Demas, and others who were once anointed, but gradually lost the anointing. This should be a solemn warning and reminder for us who are serving the Lord. Do not assume authority. Authority comes with anointing. In fact, with genuine authority, one fears God the more.

A person who genuinely fears God will love also God as well. Fearing God issues in loving God.  And as we love God, we will be serving God. Therefore, the basic lesson is, fear God, which will issue in loving God, and the result of this will be that one would be anointed, and with it would come authority, and then there will be the serving of God.

This fellowship reminds me of and reconfirm again of the Lord's calling when I received the Lord's call the first time on 1st Jan 2003.

And now, O Israel, what does Jehovah your God ask of you except that you fear Jehovah your God so that you would walk in all His ways and love Him and serve Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your soul; Deuteronomy 10:12

Lord, preserve me in Your mercy that I may be graced to serve You all the days of my life.