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Fear is more often than not the cause of our failures. There is a wholesome side of fear. We must fear God and fear the evils of false doctrines and evil practices. Largely, however, it seems that we fear the wrong things. Such fears keep us from doing many things we ought to do. What are some things we should not fear?
- Stirring up too much opposition to Truth and righteousness. As far as the New Testament reveals, Peter, John, Stephen, Paul or Jesus never bothered to consider whether the preaching of Truth or the condemnation of evil and error would arouse opposition. They just said and did what the occasion required and “let the chips fall where they may.” The reputation they earned of “turning the world upside down” was no illusion. Their preaching divided people in every town, between Truth and error, good and evil. This is the kind of division Jesus said he came to bring (Luke 12: 49–53).
- Publicizing the church and its efforts too much. Some are afraid that money spent to publicize the Lord’s work is wasted. Such is an unfounded fear. Secular interests and evil forces spend billions on publicity/advertising every year. The Lord’s Word “filled Jerusalem,” “was spread abroad throughout all the region,” and was not “done in a corner” (Acts 5:28; 13:49; 26:26). Let us never fear to push, publicize, and promote the greatest of all causes.
- Winning too many souls too soon. There was no such fear in Jerusalem when the number of disciples grew into the thousands in a short time. We must prepare adequate follow up teaching efforts but let us never fear that too many will be converted too soon.
- Over-emphasizing monetary responsibilities. Some brethren have a “hang-up” over money—they don’t want it mentioned or asked for but about once a year. Some give sacrificially, but most give far less than “as prospered” might indicate. There is much more in the New Testament on this subject than on baptism or the Lord’s Supper. Let us not fear it.
- Working people too hard. Many Christians work hard in the kingdom, but none too hard. And what about those who work little or none at all? We can never let up in our service to Christ, so let us not be afraid of the challenge to work.
[Note: I wrote this article for and it was published in the November 25, 1976, edition of Granbury Gospel, weekly bulletin of the Church of Christ, Granbury, Texas, of which I was editor.]
Attribution: From thescripturecache.com; Dub McClish, owner and administrator.
