“When you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty’” (Luke 17:10). The Greek word for “unworthy” is defined as “not deserving special praise, not worthy of particular commendation.”1 No matter how diligently we’ve served God, we should never fall into an entitled attitude.

So many are fearful of what’s coming. But there’s no dread or fear of the future for those who fear God; they are confident and fearless. Again, we are told: In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge. (Proverbs 14:26 NKJV) There is an inner confidence that accompanies holy fear.

simple repentance—a complete change of mind and heart. It’s when we acknowledge our wisdom is futile and we firmly embrace the wisdom of God. “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13 NKJV).

Holiness is not an end unto itself; rather, it’s a passageway into what’s most important.

The ESV reads: “The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him.”

mega fear, awe, terror, profound respect, trembling, and dread. These aren’t just words to describe a minor aspect of our life in Christ; rather, they identify how our salvation is worked out—a term that describes how our efforts, in cooperation with and empowered by the Holy Spirit, bring to full maturity what Jesus freely provides for us. From

Pursue . . . holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14 NKJV)

As holy fear grows within us according to our increased comprehension of God’s glory, it purifies our motives, frees us from the fear of man, and produces true holiness in our lives. The manifestation of holy fear is immediate and complete obedience to God regardless of whether we see a reason or benefit or how painful it is.

“The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever” (Psalm 19:9 NKJV). The psalmist gives two remarkable fruits of holy fear that should not be overlooked or taken lightly: cleanliness and longevity.