Several years ago in one of the hospital units of Emmanuel Hospital Association (a non-profit Christian healthcare organisation in India), there was a financial crunch. Although there seemed to be an influx of patients, the hospital’s account books did not match. Someone was stealing. It was decided that CCTV cameras would be placed just above the cashier’s desk. Not surprisingly, the finances began coming in and the bookkeeping began to make sense again.
The director of the hospital called it “the fear of man presiding over the fear of God”. It wasn’t enough that the cashier (a professing Christian) had the eyes of the all-present, all-knowing God on him. He needed ‘big brother’ to see if he was doing the right thing to avoid trouble and keep his job.
What we believe about God determines how we think, act and present ourselves before people. Often, we associate ‘fear’ as a negative emotion. Psalm 31:19 emphasises the positives of ‘fearing’ God: “How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.”
John Piper calls fearing God “a joy to be near Him but a terror for those who flee from Him”. If pleasing God rules our hearts, we will have joy, not terror. The fear of man does the opposite – it makes us terrified of people’s acceptance of us and ignores God’s presence.
Fearing man whilst not being aware of the presence of God is like being surrounded by a raging fire and worrying that your clothes will smell of smoke. Honouring and being right under God, the Bible says, is our primary task. If we don’t possess the fear of God, we will find ourselves only ever concerned about what people see or don’t see us do.
Ed Welsh, the author of When People Are BIG and God Is Small, says, “As light crowds out darkness, and holiness displaces sin, so a healthy fear of God will dissolve a debilitating fear of man”. He goes on to say, “what or who you need will control you”.
There are numerous verses that describe the blessings in the fear of God (Psalm 112:1, 115:13, 128;1-4; Proverbs 28:14). There is also a warning against those who harden their hearts and no longer fear God; they are likened to fools (Proverbs 1:7).
How often have we allowed the fear of man to rule our hearts? I have felt the glaring gaze of people over the loving gaze of God many times. It has brought stress, anxiety and pain as opposed to peace, wisdom and blessing.
May we live our lives not fearing men but God. And like David, may we be able to say “teach me your ways, Lord, so that I may walk in your truth, give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name” (Psalm 86:11).
Contributed by Sharon Abraham
Sharon is an imitator of Christ, a co-worker in His service, a wife to Jonny and a mom and teacher to two very unique and precious girls.
