Fear is something that we all have to wrestle with from time to time. More specifically; knowing whom to fear and whom not to fear. I mean let’s just be honest, there are a lot of very intimidating people out there. And I sometimes have to decide if I’m directing my fear in the right place.
Hebrews 13:6 tells us that we can live with confidence if Jesus is our Savior. The word ‘confidence’ that Hebrews uses means to live with ‘courage’ or to live with ‘boldness’. It gives us the impression that if our heart is pure with Jesus, and our actions on right with him, you and I can face any man or any situation without fear. The world’s biggest tyrant is no match for the sincere Christian with faith in Jesus. That means that your oppressive boss, your controlling family member, or your manipulative neighbor is no match for the King of Heaven and Earth.
By the way, this is exactly what Jesus mentions to his disciples. Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:28 to fear the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell rather than fearing those that can only kill the body. I think that Jesus’ words may have been the basis for what Hebrews tells us in chapter 13. The worst that a man can do to a Christian is to kill him. But according to the Bible, to kill a Christian is to send him in the presence of God in heaven. Therefore, the worst that a man can do to a Christian here on earth is the best thing that can happen to a Christian in light of eternity. Jesus commands us not to fear the men who can kill the body on earth. Rather we are to fear Him who can destroy both body and soul. As a result, a healthy fear of God in heaven should lead to a courageous, fearless life here on earth.
I am inspired and motivated by men and women of great courage- those who realize that what happens to the body is nothing compared to what happens to the soul. I guess I should be honest more often and admit, that sometimes I fear the wrong person. Sometimes I fear a man who can only harm the body, rather than One who can rescue both body and soul from hell. As I place my fear on God I start to fear less other men and women. I don’t know about you, but this week I plan to fear no man.
