![](\"https:\/\/fusiondelhi.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Untitled-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\r\n<\/p>\r\n
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\u2019s account books did not match. Someone was stealing. It was decided that CCTV cameras would be placed just above the cashier\u2019s desk. Not surprisingly, the finances began coming in and the bookkeeping began to make sense again. <\/p>\r\n
The director of the hospital called it \u201cthe fear of man presiding over the fear of God\u201d. It wasn\u2019t enough that the cashier (a professing Christian) had the eyes of the all-present, all-knowing God on him. He needed \u2018big brother\u2019 to see if he was doing the right thing to avoid trouble and keep his job.<\/p>\r\n
What we believe about God determines how we think, act and present ourselves before people. Often, we associate \u2018fear\u2019 as a negative emotion. Psalm 31:19 emphasises the positives of \u2018fearing\u2019 God: \r\n
\u201cHow 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.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\r\n
John Piper calls fearing God \u201ca joy to be near Him but a terror for those who flee from Him\u201d. If pleasing God rules our hearts, we will have joy, not terror. The fear of man does the opposite \u2013 it makes us terrified of people\u2019s acceptance of us and ignores God\u2019s presence.<\/p>\r\n
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\u2019t possess the fear of God, we will find ourselves only ever concerned about what people see or don\u2019t see us do.<\/p>\r\n
Ed Welsh, the author of When People Are BIG and God Is Small, says, \u201cAs light crowds out darkness, and holiness displaces sin, so a healthy fear of God will dissolve a debilitating fear of man\u201d. He goes on to say, \u201cwhat or who you need will control you\u201d. <\/p>\r\n
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).\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
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. <\/p>\r\n
May we live our lives not fearing men but God. And like David, may we be able to say \u201cteach me your ways, Lord, so that I may walk in your truth, give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name\u201d (Psalm 86:11).<\/p>\r\n
Contributed by Sharon Abraham<\/em> 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\u2019s account books did not match. Someone was stealing. It was decided that CCTV cameras would be placed just above […]<\/p>\n