Sometimes fear will lead us to prudent decisions. The fear of our getting caught might win over our temptation to do something wrong. The fear of losing our jobs will induce us to work harder than we might otherwise. In a fallen world, fear is the only way to hold society in check. Caring for nothing more than our own self-interests, the fear of hurtful consequences is the foundation of all laws and authority. Before Jesus died on the cross, there was nothing else. Even God used fear to help keep sin in check among his people. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, wrote the psalmist. We come to the regrettable conclusion that fear isnt our problem - only what we fear. If we can fear the awesome, holy God more than anything else in our lives it will lead us to the right path, or so we think. Thus we come to view fear in ambivalent terms. Fear of what others might think can lead us down a wrong path, but fearing God can help motivate us to holiness. So we dont end up seeing fear as the problem it is, as long as it is God we fear most. - (He Loves Me, Wayne Jacobsen) and later .... Thats why sermons on Gods judgment are so common in Christianity. They confront us with our fears of God and seek to provoke us to live the way we know we should. The repentance that follows and the resolve to rededicate ourselves to Christs purpose makes us feel clean again. Such experience actually helps us live better for a while- but only for a while. Eventually the passion of such moments fades and the old self encroaches its way back into our lives. We end up caught in the same patterns from which we had repented. Soon the cycle repeats itself. Fear cannot lead us to lifelong transformation, but to only a momentary reformation of behaviour. Instead of inviting us to enter into a relationship with the living God, it pushes us away with feelings of inadequacy and repetitious failure. Jesus had a far better way. He wanted to break the bondage of fear itself - even the fear of God. He knew of a force far more powerful - one that would not fade with the passing of time and would invite us into the depths of relationship with God. He would settle for nothing else. Why should we? Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. - Luke 12:32 Thoughts?
Posted on: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 23:23:01 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015