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Fear can be powerful. There are many fears yet there are three main fears discussed often. The three main fears are public speaking, snakes, and death. There is a fear that is not spoken about but is universal. The fear of what other’s think or judge about our actions. Who are the others that create this fear? The others are the people who we respect. Typically, these people are parents or close friends. When they issue a judgment on a personal decision, they create doubts in our decision. Why do we put faith in others fears? Because we doubt our ability to make a decision. When we pander to other’s concerns, we eliminate personal progress and destroy rational decision making.
2017 for many people was a year based on fear of the unknown and fear created by another’s judgment. We witnessed fear constructed by a media that seeks to divide rather than unite and continues into this year. Also, a shift can be seen in how people disagree with one another. Disagreement with one’s opinion has made the opposition an instant enemy. An end to a constructive debate made a thing of the past.
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love (1 John 4:18).” No one should fear the judgment of other people. Notice what the Biblical text says, there is no fear in love. People’s fear is placed on the idea of punishment centered around potential disappointment.
One thing that makes us human is the power to choose and make decisions. This year make it your goal to not make decisions out of fear created by the doubt of others. We should all resolve to make 2018 a year of kindness to all and give other the benefit of the doubt in daily interactions and boldly make decisions. Put all your faith and trust in God, and everything else will work itself out.
Bible Thoughts With Will Brown 