The Right Kind Of Fear

Most people today use scare tactics to get others to do what they are scaring them to do. Like selling things such as emergency survival kits, insurance, precious metals, etc. But we must be careful that we don’t use the wrong kind of fear (Ex 20:20)! Some folks are afraid because of their superstitious beliefs that were based on their tradition or philosophies (Col 2:8). Instead of trusting solely on Jesus Christ to be saved (Acts 16:31), they place their faith on “graven images” (Ps 97:7), rituals (Isa 29:13), changing moons (Isa 1:14), or “enchantments” (2 Chr 33:6).

But these man-made schemes are only meant to scare people if they don’t adhere to them. Many young people follow their idolatrous religions because they are afraid to disappoint their parents and grandparents. Some are even threatened to be disowned and lose their inheritance if they convert to Christianity (Acts 14:15). Sadly, most of them grow up to become people pleasers (Prov 29:25)! They are more inclined to prioritize or even idolize the people that they value most rather than God (Mt 6:33). Their fear of man (Isa 57:11), causes them to become easily intimidated by people so they can make a good impression of themselves. However, they are not pleasing God (1 Thes 2:4), and it is contrary to His will (Lev 23:26)!

 Often, people are just scared of the consequences if they get caught lying or doing other sinful deeds (Gal 6:8). Therefore, they are motivated to be more careful; instead of confessing and forsaking their sins (Prov 28:13), then making reconciliations (Mt 5:24). Many are not taking this more seriously. But they don’t realize that sometimes God’s “sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily” (Ecc 8:11)! When we fear God, we shall; be saved, serve Him with love, grow spiritually, gain wisdom from His word, abhor sin, yield to righteousness, and humble ourselves. The only fear that is right is “the fear of the Lord” (Prov 2:5)! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera