Christian Living

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"Scary, isn't it?" is a phrase that bounces around our inboxes, especially about propaganda-filled, politically-motivated e-mails, and well, the answer is NO, it isn't, or shouldn't be for followers of Christ. A reverential, awesome fear of God ought to characterize His children, but no cowering, shivering fear in the face of human circumstances ought to paralyze and dilute their faith in Him. Warnings against fear of anybody or anything but God are replete from Genesis to Revelation. Jesus equated fear with unbelief; and it is everywhere spoken against. Love for God and faith in Him cast out the fear of what man can do to us. It ought to once and for all ease our hearts and minds. Scare tactics ought not to rattle us. God is in control. But let the Scriptures speak for themselves about fear and faith:

"Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." Eccl. 12:13a

"Strengthen the faint hearts and make firm the feeble knees. Say to the fearful-hearted, 'Be strong; do not fear!'" Isaiah 35:4

As Jesus quelled the storm, He asked the disciples, "Why were you afraid, O you of little faith?" Matt. 8:26

"Fear not, little flock, for it is the Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom." Luke 12:32

"The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

"The Lord is my Helper; I will not fear what man can do unto me." Heb. 12:6

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Tim.1:7

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear." Psalm 46:1, 2a

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear." 1 John 4:18a

Faith does not slink about timidly but goes forth as a roaring lion. Christians ought not to scare easily by what mere mortals can do. A theme so emphatically repeated ought to catch our attention and free us from fear in favor of faith.

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