Carnal fear may take either of 2 opposite directions. It may make us afraid to do what we know we should do, or afraid not to do what we have reason to think ppl expect us to do. Courage lies somewhere between these 2 extremes. There is a foolish consistency which brings us into bondage to the consciences of other ppl. Our Christian testimony has created a certain expectation in the minds of our friends, & rather Han jeopardize our standing with them, we dutifully act in accordance with their expectation even though we have no inward conviction on the matter. We are simply afraid not to do what ppl expect of us. We cannot face our public after we have failed to do what we know they expected us to do.... The great fault in all this is that it shifts the life motivation from within to without, from God to our fellow man. Any act done because we are afraid not to do it must take its place along with any act that I not done because we are afraid to do it. Fear, not love & faith , dictates the conduct, & whatsoever is not of faith is sin. The way to escape this double snare is simple. Make a complete surrender to God; love Him with ALL your heart & love every man for His sake. Determine to obey your own convictions as they crystallize within u as a result of prayer & constant study of the scriptures. After that you may safely ignore the expectations of your friends as well as the criticisms of your enemies. You will experience 1st the shocked surprise o the regimented army of lock-step believers, then their grudging admiration, & if you continue to walk the way of love & courage they will take heart from your example, throw off the bondage of fear, & go forth as ransomed men & women to walk in the sweet liberty wherewithal Christ has made them free.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Jul 2013 06:54:51 +0000
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