Living In Fear

by Van Robison

fear It is natural to have fears. People have fears about many things in life. In 1 John 4:18 it says, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love." It goes without saying that our human fears torment our peace of mind, can cause us emotional and psychological problems, and cause us to even lose the ability to sleep. Fear can also cause physical sickness and even worse. In the church world, many people are subjected to fear and we can itemize many of those fears:

Fear of the loss of salvation.
Fear of committing the unpardonable sin.
Fear of losing the Holy Spirit.
Fear of going to "hell".
Fear of being excommunicated.
Fear of losing friends.
Fear of being looked upon as a spiritual freak.
Fear of pastors.
Fear of authority.
Fear of speaking out.
Fear of being looked upon as rebellious.
Fear of not tithing.
Fear of not going to church.
Fear of not submitting to church hierarchy.
Fear of switching churches.
Fear of what others will say and think about what you say or do.
Fear of not conforming.
Fear of being the odd man or woman.
Fear of believing things that differ with the church.
Fear of not obeying spiritual rulers.
Fear of stepping out.
Fear of being different.

And the list of fears is endless. It has been said that "there is nothing to fear, but fear itself" because fear is destructive. Living in fear is something that most all human beings will experience at times in their lives. Did Jesus Christ intend that His followers live in fear? At one time having been associated with a cult church for about twelve years, I had many of those fears. Many years later as I look back, I realize that those fears were unfounded and I was a prisoner to fear. When I took an exit never to look back, all those fears eventually vanished.

*Luke 12:32 "FEAR NOT, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."