“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” -Ecclesiastes 12:13 KJV

Everyone has an opinion or observation of God. Atheists believe that God doesn’t exist; therefore, they live their lives without any reverence or respect to the Creator who formed their existence. Agnostics are skeptical of God’s existence. They’re not necessarily atheists but not eager to embrace anything related to Godly living. Christians believe that God is merciful, loving, gracious, and a forgiver of sins.

Every Christian has an opinion or observation of Jesus Christ, but Scripture is very clear about our personal opinions: “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” -2 Peter 1:20-21 KJV

The Word of God, not man’s perception, should be the loudest and most dominant voice in our lives! Human intellect is no substitute for the Word of God!

If our lifestyle doesn’t line up with the Word of God, it’s pure garbage. If our theology isn’t aligned with the pure, unadulterated Word of God, then it’s a man-made opinion that doesn’t amount to a hill of beans.

People are perverting the Gospel to appeal to their personal lifestyle that doesn’t include God. Preachers are perverting the Gospel because they’re more concerned about populating their churches instead of heaven. People want to be entertained instead of convicted.

This is because the fear of God is being replaced with religious rituals.

America has lost its fear of God. Here are some examples:

• LGTBQ agenda
• Violence ( school shootings, etc.)
• Adulterous affairs
• Corruption in government
• Pollution of culture by Hollywood

America has become so individually-driven, that God has been pushed to the back burner. We glorify social programs more than the gifts of God. We put more trust in a collapsing political system than we do towards the promises of God. We have lost a fear for God!

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” -Proverbs 1:7 KJV

Here are some natural means of knowledge:

• Education
• Books
• Lectures
• Sermons

It is the respect and reverence for God that reveals comprehension and understanding of the things of life.

“What man is he that feareth the Lord? Him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.” (Psalms 25:12-14 KJV)

When we begin to fear The Lord, we will encounter peace in our lives, and our prayers become answered.

The fear of The Lord will cause you to live differently. “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” -Romans 8:5, 6 KJV

The fear of The Lord will cause you to love what God loves.

“Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
-Matthew 22:35-40 KJV

This is THE CONCLUSION OF THE WHOLE MATTER!

If you love God, it’s going to consume every single part of you. It’ll compel you to love others.

“If ye love me, keep my commandments. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.” -John 14:15, 21-24 KJV

It’s very simple: Love God= obey him. If we don’t love him, we won’t obey him. It’s the conclusion of the whole matter.

Demetrius Minor

Demetrius Minor is a minister, author, and political commentator. He is a former radio talk show host and television personality. He is also a member of the Project 21 advisory board of black conservative leaders across the United States. He and his wife, Riesa, serve on the leadership staff at Tampa Life Church in Tampa, FL.