In the Bible the expression “fear of the Lord” is used quite often. For instance, in the Proverbs this fear is called “the beginning of knowledge” (1:7, NASU). In describes the particular attitude of a people, such as Abraham’s description of the people of Gerar: “there is no fear of God in this place” (Gen. 19:11). It also describes obedience and choosing to serve God, such as Job when Satan asked, “Does Job fear God for nothing?” (Job 1:9).
There is a common expression: “Hindsight is 20/20”. This expression describes the great clarity of detail surrounding events when viewed from one in the future looking into the past versus a less clear picture of known details in the midst of an event. The use of “20/20” is a term associated with vision, describing crispness and clear vision.
I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
John 17:14-16 (NASU)
In these few verses, which are part of Jesus’ last prayer to the Father on behalf of His followers, the Christian’s relationship with the world is defined.
There are many different things in this fallen world that can tempt man to sin. However, some of the most dangerous temptations for Christians are not always the overtly perverse and wicked things. While such things are vile and evil, it is the more subtle temptations that cause some of the greatest damage – many times without Christians even noticing their effects.
It is a common belief of man, especially of our post-modern culture, that for something to have great value or “sophistication” it must be complicated. Consider how complicated most technological devices are or how complicated government bureaucracies become. Ask a philosopher to explain the meaning of life in 1000 words or less. The reality is that, in many cases, the “simple” answer or solution is never enough.