My brother, Nathan, has always had a healthy fear of things which he felt were not under his control. When we were growing up, he did not have any interest in riding high roller coasters. Although he is older, I was always the first to ride the ferris wheel, while he wanted to stay on the ground and wave or play the arcade games. When the children’s choir was singing at church, Nathan would mumble the words enough to “get by.” He wanted to blend in. I, on the other hand, was doing the motions as big as I could and belting out the words.

When it came to something that he felt was under his control, Nathan was “all in.” He loved to snow ski on the steepest, most treacherous slopes. He felt like he was the one guiding his direction and speed. I wanted to stay on the easier bunny slope. Sometimes I could benefit from a little more of his sense of fear. In our adult years, we have come to respect and learn from one another. I especially admire his wisdom and his devotion to the Lord.

In our faith, we should have a healthy, reverent fear of the Lord. Solomon had many wise words in his book of wisdom.

Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser,
Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 9:9-10

Our relationship with God begins with our need for a Savior. In our fear of the Lord, we realize His power and grace. The Holy Spirit grows wisdom within us. A wise person has ears that are ready to listen to counsel and receive instruction (Proverbs 19:20). He has a heart that trusts in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5). He does not trust in his own “wisdom.” Those who are wise choose their words carefully and speak life into others (Proverbs 18:21). They strive to honor the Lord with the work of their hands (Proverbs 16:3). They surround themselves with others who will encourage them in their faith (Proverbs 13:20).

Let us all seek to have a fear of the Lord and grow in wisdom. This is what our children will be learning during Kids Camp. Kids Camp is less than two weeks away! Our theme focuses upon the book of Proverbs and wisdom from God that can be found in it. Our theme verse is Proverbs 9:10. As you pray through this week’s Prayer List, please include Kids Camp.

Love in Christ,

Adam