The Fear Factor

March, 2004

by: Beth Mack

For the last several months, we have been talking about how not to waste our lives. Continuing in that theme, I'd like this month to talk about something that helps us waste our life. It's one of those “such as is common to man” issues that 1 Corinthians 10:13 talks about. In fact, I would guess that it is an issue that most (if not all) of us struggle with.

The Bible calls the issue I am talking about the fear of man. To put it in other words, we live to please people. Proverbs 29:25 says that “The fear of man brings a snare.” A snare is not a good thing. The Hebrew dictionary defines a snare as “something that lures a man away from his real purpose and then destroys him.” How do you know if you struggle with this? Here are some questions to ask yourself: Are you always trying to get people to like you? Are you constantly seeking the approval of others? Do you not say no to things because you are afraid of what others will think? Are you not open with people because you are afraid that they might not like you if they saw the real you? Are you always striving to conform because of your fear of what others will think? Are you afraid to confront others because of how the other person might respond? Do you think that your life would be successful if you could get others to like you? Are you tremendously bothered and overly discouraged by other's criticism?

When you fear other people, you are making other humans your idol. You have set your heart on their approval. You are motivated by what they think of you. Their opinions and their desires master you. You serve them and not God. And that is idolatry. It is impossible to be a bond–servant of Christ if you are a slave to man's opinions and desires. Matthew 6:24 says that “no man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” Put simply, we are hindered in our service to God by fearing man. We waste our lives.

The key to overcoming sinful fear is to replace it with holy fear. The fear of God is not an optional activity for Christians and if we are not going to be controlled by people and what they think then we need to develop this kind of fear in our lives. This year's Women's Retreat will be addressing this issue. Come join us from April 2–4 as we seek help from God's Word in addressing this issue. Sign–ups are happening now in the Church Foyer every Sunday morning. Space is limited so sign–up now!