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Fearing Michael Jordan

Basketball fans respect Michael Jordan for his competitiveness, leadership, and intensity.

However, in the documentary “The Last Dance,” many of his former teammates shared how Jordan would often cross the line in his interactions with them.

Former teammate Jud Buechler said, “People were afraid of him. We were his teammates, and we were afraid of him. And there was just fear. The fear factor of MJ was so, so thick.”

When hearing that, do we think Jordan needed to make his teammates fear him?

How about in our own lives? Is there a line that gets crossed between respect and unhealthy fear in our relationship with God?

Proverbs 1:7 says, “The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]…”

Proverbs 14:27 explains, “The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that leads to obedience and worship] is a fountain of life, so that one may avoid the snares of death.”

The Bible discusses the fear of the Lord and the many blessings associated with proper fear rooted in awe and respect. Unfortunately, too many of us have no fear or reverence, or we have an unhealthy fear that prevents us from embracing His love, grace, and kindness.

We should desire to please God because we love Him, not because we’re scared that He will punish us after one mistake. God wants us to become more like Him, but He’s not yelling or ridiculing us for failing. We can joyfully pursue obedience from a place of love and honor—not from being scared.

We must remember that God is the sovereign and omniscient Creator who is powerful yet approachable. He is infinite yet personal while being just yet filled with grace.

Today, let’s have a healthy fear of our Heavenly Father by seeking to know His true character more and more.

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I fall short of Your glory but am grateful for Your grace through Jesus. I stand in awe of You and Your goodness. Please help me have the proper fear of You, leading to joyful obedience and worship. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.