Fear God More Than People
“Do not be afraid of anyone, for I will be with you to rescue you.”- Jeremiah 1:8
As followers of Christ, you face a critical decision: who will you fear more, God or people? This choice may seem straightforward, yet many of us find ourselves wrestling with the fear of others, often placing them on a pedestal above God. If you’re honest, you might recognize moments when the opinions and judgments of others have loomed larger than your reverence for God.
Ed Welch, in his insightful book When People Are Big and God Is Small, offers three compelling reasons why this fear of people can creep into our lives.
First, we fear because people can expose and humiliate us. There’s a vulnerability in being judged, and the thought of others seeing our flaws can be paralyzing.
Second, people can reject, ridicule, or despise us. This fear of rejection can lead us to shape our actions and thoughts to please others rather than remain true to ourselves and God’s calling.
Lastly, we fear because people can attack, oppress, or threaten us. This fear can be especially intense when we perceive others as having power over us.
All these fears stem from a distorted perspective where people seem larger and more powerful than God. When you allow this mindset to take root, you unintentionally give others the authority to dictate your feelings, thoughts, and actions. You may start living in a way that seeks approval from those around you instead of aligning your life with God’s will.
The Bible consistently encourages you not to fear people. In Jeremiah 1:8, God reassures us, saying, “Do not be afraid of anyone, for I will be with you to rescue you.” This promise reminds you that God’s presence and power far outweigh any challenges or judgments that people might impose.
Jesus echoes this sentiment in Matthew 10:28, urging you not to fear those who can only harm the body but to fear God, who holds authority over both body and soul.
Reflect on whom you truly fear. Are there areas of your life where the fear of people is overshadowing your fear of God? Shift your focus back to the Almighty, who is bigger than any challenge you face. Embrace the freedom that comes from fearing God above all else, and watch as your perspective shifts, allowing you to live boldly and authentically in His grace.
As followers of Christ, you face a critical decision: who will you fear more, God or people? This choice may seem straightforward, yet many of us find ourselves wrestling with the fear of others, often placing them on a pedestal above God. If you’re honest, you might recognize moments when the opinions and judgments of others have loomed larger than your reverence for God.
Ed Welch, in his insightful book When People Are Big and God Is Small, offers three compelling reasons why this fear of people can creep into our lives.
First, we fear because people can expose and humiliate us. There’s a vulnerability in being judged, and the thought of others seeing our flaws can be paralyzing.
Second, people can reject, ridicule, or despise us. This fear of rejection can lead us to shape our actions and thoughts to please others rather than remain true to ourselves and God’s calling.
Lastly, we fear because people can attack, oppress, or threaten us. This fear can be especially intense when we perceive others as having power over us.
All these fears stem from a distorted perspective where people seem larger and more powerful than God. When you allow this mindset to take root, you unintentionally give others the authority to dictate your feelings, thoughts, and actions. You may start living in a way that seeks approval from those around you instead of aligning your life with God’s will.
The Bible consistently encourages you not to fear people. In Jeremiah 1:8, God reassures us, saying, “Do not be afraid of anyone, for I will be with you to rescue you.” This promise reminds you that God’s presence and power far outweigh any challenges or judgments that people might impose.
Jesus echoes this sentiment in Matthew 10:28, urging you not to fear those who can only harm the body but to fear God, who holds authority over both body and soul.
Reflect on whom you truly fear. Are there areas of your life where the fear of people is overshadowing your fear of God? Shift your focus back to the Almighty, who is bigger than any challenge you face. Embrace the freedom that comes from fearing God above all else, and watch as your perspective shifts, allowing you to live boldly and authentically in His grace.
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