Fear

Most people don't normally recognize fear as an EGO issue, but it is at the root of many seemingly prideful behaviors. The capacity to fear is a gift from God. When applied as intended, fear can keep us focused on doing the right thing for the right reasons. Yet what we actually do with the gift of our capacity to fear often prevents us from enjoying it's benefits. Instead of enhancing life as a dimension of keeping our focus on God, fear has poisoned human relationships ever since man first stepped out of God's will. The first thing adam and eve did after they ate the forbidden fruit was become selfconscious, cover up, and hide in fear. In away we have been hiding ever since, in fear that our weaknesses and bad behavior will be found out. The irony is that God-the only one who matters on an eternal scale-already sees and knows it all.

The temptation to toxic fear is something we all face everyday. It is a dark force that can color our relationships and permeate our souls. As Usman Asif said, "Fear is the darkroom where negatives develop." Fear is a complete anti-God state of mind. It is a good thing turned bad.

In both the Old and New Testament, the fear of God and fear of man are placed at the extremes of good and evil. We are called to hold God in life-giving, reverent awe as the ultimate source and judge of our selfworth and security. Life-giving fear is, as W.E. Vine defines it, "Wholesome dread"-a heartfelt desire not to dishonor or grieve the One who has extended His compassion, mercy, and grace to us. Being agitated by fear into fight-or-flight thinking and behavior is life threatening in the most personal and profound way.

In Psalm 111:10, we read, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom"; and in Proverbs 14:26, we read, "He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge." God as the preeminent object of wholesome fear is made clear at the end of Ecclesiastes by King Solomon, who gives the difinitive statement of the positive purpose and application of our capacity to fear: "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man"(12:13).

In stark contrast to the wholesome awe of God, Proverbs 29:25 tells us, "Fear of man will prove to be a snare." Jesus poses the core question regarding the right use of the gift of fear when He tells His followers: "I tell you my friends, do not be afraid those who can kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has the power to throw you into hell. Yes I tell you, fear him" (Luke 12:4-5).

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