The Bible unveils many examples of people who feared others at the expense of fearing God. Like cowards, we all at times find a corner in which to hide. I’m convinced that the desire to protect oneself, or even others, is at the core of why we become trapped by the snares of others’ approval, social acceptance, and, yes, even physical safety.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Proverbs 9:10
Fear is found all over the scriptures. Both the Old and New Testaments are packed with stories and examples of God’s people continually being forced to choose between two different kinds of fear: the fear of the Lord or the fear of man.
Two Types of Fear
Fear can be a beneficial emotion. It can keep you from danger and it can motivate you to positive action. Fear can also have negative consequences — especially when we fear the wrong things. When we fear others, our motivation is quite often centered on self. You may have heard this type of fear described as “people pleasing” or “fear of man.” This type of fear causes us to obsess over how others view and accept us. In contrast, when we actively fear the Lord, we worship and show Him reverence and trust, aligning our desires with His desires because we know that He already accepts us through the finished work of Christ.
The Bible is clear: When we fear people over God, we are in disobedience.
“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” – James 4:4
Choosing Your Battle
Several years ago, I listened to a message by Paul Washer that illustrates the right kind of fear. Anyone who is familiar with Paul Washer’s ministry knows that he isn’t afraid to speak the truth to anyone. He comes across as confident and bold, a true man of courage. In the message, he talked about the fear of man.
A man came up to him and said, “You must be the bravest man in the room! You said things that made people mad here tonight; that one guy looked like he was going to come over and beat you up. You’re not afraid of anybody!” Washer responded, “No, it could just be possible that I am the most frightened, insecure man in the room.”
Continuing the story, Washer said, “I want you to think about something. Let’s say there is a man that walks up to me that is three foot nothing, weighing almost nothing, he has no muscle on him at all, and he challenges me to a fight, and like a coward, I run in the corner weeping. But then let’s say that walking behind that man is another man who stands beside him who is seven feet tall, four hundred pounds of solid muscle, and he challenges me to a fight. Then I find out I have a choice, I can fight the little man, or I can fight the big man. Now, it doesn’t matter anymore how afraid I am of that little man. It doesn’t matter anymore that I’m a coward, that no longer is in the equation. I have to fight someone so the coward that I am, if I have to fight one of these two guys, I’m going to jump on the little guy! You’re the little guy. It’s just relative; it’s just choice. I’ve got to deal with you, or I have to deal with Him [God].”
Christians have a choice when it comes to fear. Will you fear people or will you ultimately fear God?
Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.”
We all, deep down in our soul, want to be safe. According to this proverb, real safety is found in fearing the Lord.
Self-Preservation: You’re in Good Company
The Bible unveils many examples of people who feared others at the expense of fearing God. Like cowards, we all at times find a corner in which to hide. I’m convinced that the desire to protect oneself, or even others, is at the core of why we become trapped by the snares of others’ approval, social acceptance, and, yes, even physical safety.
The Apostle Peter is probably the best New Testament example of someone who battled the fear of man. Just hours before the scene in Matthew 26:69-75, Peter boldly told Jesus, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” (Matthew 26:35). Jesus responds to Peter in another account found in Mark’s gospel, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times” (Mark 14:30).
