There’s a myth out there in the Christian community that I need your help correcting. Here it is:
Fear is a sin.
No, actually, it’s not. Let’s look to God’s Word for an explanation.
First, yes, all over the Bible we read “Do not be afraid.” Some say you can read that 365 times in the Bible, once for each day of the year.
However, the Bible also tells us to fear. More on that in 30 seconds. For now, how about this reminder: Fear is a gift of God for all of us who live in world that can hurt us. Physically. Emotionally, Relationally. Spiritually.
Here’s an example. Your 12-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter are jumping on the trampoline. The 12-year-old is acting recklessly with dive bombs, bumping his little sister all over the place, crashing into her, and causing chaos. She has not done anything to instigate this behavior.
She’s afraid. She screams and cries. That catches your attention and you look outside and witness the reckless behavior.
Has she done anything wrong? Is she in trouble? Do you scold her for crying? For screaming? For being afraid? No, no, no.
Her fear was a gift from God. A protective mechanism to prevent injury or worse, to herself and even to her brother.
Similarly, a car pulls out in front of you and your split second fear causes you to slam on the brakes. Scrreeeeeeeech! That fear was a gift from God. Your fear saved you and the other drive from a wreck
And, you should also be afraid of fire, of water, of carcinogens, and of the devil. God’s gift of protecting you.
However, here’s the catch. Here’s where the Bible’s commands “Do not be afraid” come into play. That fear you have, it’s only meant to be a momentary burst of adrenaline that positions you for safety. God does not want you to live in fear.
Fear must not drive your ongoing, daily habits and decisions. Fear must not consume your emotions. Fear must not paralyze you or lead you into sinful behavior.
How do you best practice this? Lean into one fear that overrides them all. Practice this. Get to know this fear with all your heart. When you live with this fear as master, it SHOULD drive your decisions, it SHOULD consume your emotions, and it SHOULD lead you to be safe while taking God-honoring risks.
“The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble” (Proverbs 19:23). This fear is not being terrified, but a knowledge, response and spiritual act of faith that lives in awe of an awesome God.
PRAYER: God, teach me to fear you above all things. Lead me to a divine fear, a knowledge, response and spiritual act of faith that lives in awe of your awesomeness. I believe your promises that this will make all my other fears afraid, and I will be more content. Amen.
EVANGELISM ACTION: Share this with a friend who needs Jesus. A friend who is afraid of their fear. Turn them to God.