Are You ever Fearful?
© 2021 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)
Temptation to fear is never far from any of us. Health, finances, terrorism, and many other things which endanger life and safety can all cause fear. Such things have the potential to shorten the brevity of our already fleeting physical existence. Today, multitudes are fearful about genetically modified viruses infecting people throughout the world. Ironically, fear itself has a great capacity to stress the immune system and hasten death.
Is fear bad? Not necessarily. Fear can cause one to escape or avoid immediate danger. Fear can encourage departure from a pathway which would otherwise lead to eternal destruction.
God the Son, Jesus Christ, dealt with the issue of fear. He said there are those we shouldn’t fear, but one whom we should.
“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him [Christ the Lord] which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)
Jesus was addressing His disciples. He was sending them on a dangerous mission to preach the gospel to those who would persecute them. Those trusting Him for salvation should not be overcome with fear. Why? A Christian, who is killed, faces a glorious eternity with Christ in the kingdom of Heaven. Paul, the apostle, expressed it this way for those in Philippi to whom he ministered.
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.” (Philippians 1:21-24)
Genuine Christians have a secure eternity with Christ. Therefore, nothing can destroy them eternally. However, those who do not know Christ as Savior have a valid reason to fear. Fear should drive them to Jesus with urgency above any other urgency. Why? If they die, they shall enter a place of outer darkness, eternal burning, and unending cries of horror. (see Matthew 13:36-43 and Matthew 25)
But God the Son stands ready to forgive and save.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)
Does Christ cause you to follow Him?
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