Most people associate the word fear with the feeling of being scared. Anticipating danger or harm. Being afraid of something or someone. But the biblical definition of fear is quite different. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prov. 1:7). Here, the word “fear” means awesome respect. A submission to God’s power. A sense of his majesty. My dad was my closest friend. But I also had an awesome respect for him when in his presence. I wanted to learn from him and please him. To do as he’d taught me. Our culture has lost a fear of the Lord. A true understanding of his deity. God is not only our daddy and friend, but he’s also the awesome Creator of the universe. The Alpha and Omega. The first and the last. The beginning and the end (Rev. 22:13). Therefore, always fear God, not man. Seek his will above what others may think of you. When you do, the opinions of others will not greatly matter.