Escape the Fear of Man, Satan's Trap Michael Edwards The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Pro 9:10 BSB
Have you ever asked yourself or thought, what are they going to think? If you have, you have walked in the fear of man I am addressing. I could be driving down the street in a jalopy or a new Ferrari and be experiencing the fear of man. What are they going to think? We all experience it in our lives to some extent. This fear often leads us to further sin to fit in and please man. Other names we see used to describe this fear are the fear of rejection and people-pleasing.
Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Gal 1:10 BSB
The opposite of the fear of man, is the fear of the Lord, which we can translate God pleasing. Think for a moment how much different it would be if we were all about God pleasing.
The fear of man is a big part of the spiritual battle for believers. It is this fear that keeps us from sharing our faith or even openly talking about Jesus in front of others. The most significant damage this fear does is in the area of love. God calls us to love Him and love one another, but the fear of man opposes and prevents authentic love, for one must be deeply known, to feel deeply loved. It is only when all is revealed and the fear of rejection is gone that we can have a deep intimate relationship with one another. Sadly, even married couples are often not fully transparent with each other because of the fear of man. What would they think if they knew everything?
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