About when fear is a good thing…

Matthew 17:5 While he [Jesus] was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid." 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. (NIV)

We should all have godly fear. Fear is not always a bad thing, especially if we have a fear of God. It is better to have a fear of God as Christ's followers had, than to possess a callous disregard and a rebellious attitude toward God. Terribly, in our current age, many people disregard and rebel against God. Conversely, godly fear always brings respect, awe, and reverence for God. After godly fear, then comes the touch of Jesus and the assurance from Him that we have nothing to fear. The touch of Jesus upon our heart helps us be His child without fear of Him. The touch of Jesus upon our heart helps us understand His sacrifice for us and helps us sacrifice for Him…even in the face of terrifying fear.