What Are You Afraid Of?

     “What are you so afraid of?” If that question is asked of people today they can rattle off a pretty long list. The brethren that I worship with have spoken of many things of which they’re “afraid” as we have chatted around dinner tables, hospital waiting rooms, and at the building. Some have said they fear the government, diseases, surgeries, upcoming exams, and much more. Many times when we use the word “afraid” we speak not of actual fear but apprehension. We have a genuine concern with the state of events and desire that everything run smoothly. There is nothing wrong with this for Scripture does not condemn a healthy does of concern, but rather the paralyzing anxiety that demonstrates a lack of faith in God (Matthew 6:25-34).

     However, sometimes when we use the word “afraid” we mean precisely that. People are afraid when a tornado in their area has been seen, or when a terrorist threat has been confirmed, or when a distressing diagnosis is received from a doctor. In each of those cases a certain level of fright is expected and understood by God. It is for this reason that He reminds us that whatever concerns us concern Him and we can bring it to Him in prayer (1 Peter 5:6-7).

     Having said all of that, do you recall the one thing Jesus Christ specifically tells us to fear? “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both body and soul in hell” (Matthew 10:28). A bad diagnosis, a mighty storm, and terrorist threats are all frightening. Even so, they pale in comparison to He who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay” (Hebrews 10:30). The reason the disobedient and faithless ought to live in a perpetual state of fear is not because of their fellow man, diseases, or disasters; but because “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).

     But let us take the lesson into our own hearts rather than focus upon those who have never put on Christ (Galatians 3:27). The day is coming when people who have been immersed in water and attended the local “church or Christ” will hear the words, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness” (Matthew 7:23). At the end of the day nothing that happens to us here can destroy our souls. Disaster, disease, and man can take our lives but that’s the most they can do for our soul returns to the Father of spirits (Ecclesiastes 12:7; Hebrews 12:9) and our eternal dwelling place will have been determined based upon what we did in the flesh (Romans 14:10-12).

     The Christian who has grown accustomed to disobeying God’s commands ought not to be more afraid of anything than the penalty their chosen manner of life is accumulating. Presidents, dictators, terrorists, governments, diseases, and disasters can all be frightening but they do not approach the terror of a jealous God spurned by those who have chosen to hold Jesus Christ up for  contempt and crucify Him again (Hebrews 6:4-6).

         So, what are you afraid of?