In the late 2000’s one of the most popular shows on TV was the show fear factor. As a teenager, I dreamed of becoming a contestant on Fear Factor, but that dream never became a reality. The type of challenges contestants faced on the show would bring the most formidable man to their knees. However, the entire point of the show was facing and overcoming fear.
While real life is not like a Fear Factor episode, many have thrown off the one fear that every human needs, the fear of God. The Bible says that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and leads to life. To fear God is to revere, respect, and honor Him above all others, which leads to love and obedience to his commands. To operate in this life as if there is no God is a foolish way to live. The Scripture tells us, “The fool says in his heart, “There’s no God.” They are corrupt; they do vile deeds” Psalms 14:1.
To know God is to fear, love, and honor him. Jesus even tells his disciples, “Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” Matthew 10:28. He gives them this encouragement as he sends them out on a mission to heal the sick, cast out demons and proclaim the message of the Kingdom of God. Today, disciples of Jesus should find encouragement in His words as we live boldly and advance his Kingdom.
The idea of someone harming us for our faith is hard to grasp in America, yet Christians in counties like China, Afghanistan and parts of India understand this too well. While we see Christianity decline in Europe and the United States of America, in contrast, it is flourishing in countries where persecution is the highest. Could it be that many of us have become fearful of people who can harm the body but cannot kill the soul?
I recently watched a video interview with a Christian medical doctor in Brittian discussing the dangers of the transgender movement. The host and guest attacked the doctor for his biological and theological beliefs. What are those, you may ask? Every human is made in God’s image and likeness, and God created both male and female. Fifty years ago, that would not have been a controversial statement, but accepted and recognized as absolute truth. However, in today’s culture, many have rejected truth because they have no fear of God. Just think, we live in a culture where people believe a man can be a woman, and instead of breastfeeding, it is chestfeeding. However, this Christian doctor was compassionate, firm, and loving as He shared the truth of biological sex and biblical truth on national TV. That takes boldness of Spirit and a willingness not to please the crowd.
Christian, have you become a people pleaser instead of a God-fearer? Understand, you can be a people pleaser in specific areas of your life and not others. Do you care more about the opinions, thoughts, and will of others that it changes your actions, beliefs, behaviors, and convictions? To not rock the proverbial boat, you will remain silent and not live out what you believe, but instead shy away from your relationship with Jesus in the company of others.
Notice what Jesus says here. “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light. What you hear in a whisper, proclaim on the housetops” Mt 10:27. As followers of Christ, let us shine our lights for the world to see.
Yes, followers of Jesus can face harm, and great fear can surround our hearts when we seek to live for the Lord but remember the words of Jesus. “Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” Matthew 10:28.
See, there is a fear we should have, and it is a fear of the Lord, not of humans. We honor people and give respect, but people should never paralyze us to the point where we are afraid to live and let our light shine for God’s glory. Remember, the one who breathed out the Sun knows the stars by name; the judge of the world is who we fear. We stand in awe because of his love, his mercy, but also his power.
Have you rested today that you are accepted, forgiven, and called a child of God? We have the Father in our corner, so who should we fear? Well, no one? Sure, we may be shamed on social media and ostracized by people, but the just judge of the earth will one day vindicate all of his people. “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” Matthew 10:31.
“It is one thing to become convinced that Jesus is an outstanding teacher, even that he is the Messiah, and quite another to profess oneself to be his follower in the face of hostile opposition from people in influential places.” Leon Morris.
Today, has a fear of people led you to hide your relationship with Jesus and what you truly believe? Ask the Lord for forgiveness and boldness. Trust the power of the Holy Spirit and let your light shine for his glory.
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