I read a book written by Nikki Giovanni to my students. The book was about abolitionists leading to and during the Civil War. In her forward, she says that many feel people behave a certain way out of fear. We do what is right because we are afraid of punishment. She, however, believes that people do what is right and make decisions out of respect.
I have a student this year who fits into her category. He doesn't care if he gets into trouble. You can take away his recess or put him in silent lunch. He doesn't care as long as he thinks you are fair. He won't behave based on threats of punishment. He only behaves for you if he respects you. He is never a problem for me. He knows I care about his grades and his well being. For other teachers, though, he is a challenge. He is rude, defiant, disruptive, you name it, he can be THAT kid!
In Luke 8, people ask Jesus to leave their town because they are afraid of him. This shows they don't believe he is the Son of God. There are places in the Bible that mention a fear of God, but these people have no respect for God. They have plenty of fear.
In Exodus, I read today about the Egyptians increasing the work of the Israelites after Moses requests their freedom. This, again, is an act of fear. Respect of God would cause them to do the right thing.
I agree with Nikki Giovanni. If we respect God, we will obey him. Fear could turn us in the wrong direction.
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