Fear God, Not Man

Fear of man is a snare! It can cause us to sin, stumble, compromise our principles/virtues, do foolish things, displease/disobey God, be in danger, be in bondage, be silent (when we should speak up), and/or shrink in cowardice, even to the point of denying Christ (as in Peter's case). Because the 10 spies let their fear of man trump their fear of God & their faith in God, the Israelites had to wander in the wilderness for 40 years, instead of entering the Promised Land. Fear of man made them lose sight of God's promise and power. We all have seen and heard (or even experienced) negative effects of peer pressure. "Walk with the wise and become wise,  for a companion of fools suffers harm." (Proverbs 13:20) Especially with all the social media available, the pressure to conform, to be accepted, to be liked, or to be admired, is everywhere. There's also the disease to please (everyone) and the temptation to compare (with others). Don't fall into any of these dangerous traps!

Instead of fearing people, we must fear (have reverence for) God, trust Him, obey Him, and rely on Him. God will keep us safe and secure in His loving arms and will guide us on the right path. He will protect us from the devil's schemes and snares. Live for the Audience of One. God's approval alone is what matters. When we truly fear God, we don't need to fear anyone or anything. Have God-confidence! True courage comes from fearing God, rather than men, trusting God totally, and acknowledging God's sovereignty. Learn to care less what people think of you. You wouldn't be worried about what people think of you if you knew how seldom they actually do. Aim to please God, not people. "If your all is in the hand of the Lord, why worry about what 'they say'?" (Unknown) Derive your identity, value, and meaning from God alone, not from other people's approval or opinions of you. "Don't be held captive to either praise or criticism. Know who you are, what you're about, and most important, Who you serve." (Eugene Cho)

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10) 
“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13) 
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him Who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28) 

"The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (Psalm 118:6)

To ponder: Are you hiding your light for fear of what others think? Would you fear man's opinion so much that you would let someone die not knowing Christ? Is your fear of offending people greater than your fear of God? It must not be.

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for Your promises, presence, power, providence, and protection! Please free me from the fear of man. Please give me the courage to always do what's right in Your eyes, no matter what others may think, feel, or say about me. Please help me to share the gospel boldly and stand up for Your truths always with no compromise. May my attitudes, words, and actions honor and glorify You! In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.