Probably the biggest problem that plagues us as individuals and as a church, is WE FEAR MAN, NOT GOD.
We need to do the reverse: FEAR GOD, not man.
The Bible instructs:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)
When we fear speaking the truth because of what someone may think or fear getting censored, attacked or losing money, we are fearing man.
What can man do to us?
- Galatians 1:10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
- Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
- Acts 5:29 We must obey God rather than men.
- Hebrews 13:6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
- Psalm 118:8 “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”
- Proverbs 29:25 “The fear of man becomes a snare: but the one who trusts in the Lord shall be safe.”
The Bible also warns:
“For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains.” (I Timothy 6:10)
Often when truth is censored or silenced, it usually comes down to money somewhere along the line.
The truth cannot be revealed because a company, medical entity or a government wants to make money. People cover up problems when they sell a house because money is at stake. Many are afraid to speak truth fearing loss of their career or a lawsuit, which results in loss of money.
Many pastors and priests do not speak truth because they want to keep their flock validated and happy or they will lose congregation members and collection money.
Corruption takes hold because there is no fear of God.
“See to it that no one captivate you with an empty, seductive philosophy according to human tradition, according to the elemental powers of the world and not according to Christ. For in him dwells the whole fullness of the deity bodily, and you share in this fullness in him, who is the head of every principality and power.” (Colossians 2:8-10)
Out of curiosity, I was analyzing a “teaching” given by a pastor at a megachurch that I have visited on occasion. The topic was happiness. That alone should provoke caution. True happiness is found in Christ, but the person did not mention that.
It was more like a self-help TED talk geared to the young. At one point the question came up, “don’t you want to feel good?” This is not proclaiming the Gospel or what church is all about.
Yes, we have the joy of the Lord if we are saved, but worldly happiness is something else entirely. I have experienced more “church” inside my car praying with another mother than “church” supposedly taking place in that arena.
I know too many people who want to soak up the prosperity messages that make them feel happy and validated. They prefer feelings over the hard truth that we are sinners. There is suffering. God is not a magic Genie in the sky giving us everything we want if we just believe or follow a formula. I, too, wish God was a Genie, but I know it is not truth or the way of the cross.
Yes, God always takes care of His children, but it is not always through happy times or prosperity.
God doesn’t validate or celebrate sin, as many like to believe. He wants obedience, long-suffering, our entire will and selves. That is where we find true joy and happiness. By doing His will and speaking His truth, even when it is hard or we don’t feel like it. Even when it will cost us, whether friends, money or sometimes our very lives.
These are not words I like to write, but truth doesn’t change or depend on what I or anyone else thinks.
None of us is perfect. Yet we must remember one day we will all stand before GOD, not man, and be judged. Only what God thinks matters, not what your friends, boss or loved ones think.
Do we live speaking the truth of Christ at all costs? Or do we compromise with the world because we fear man? Don’t let any other human determine your eternity.
So, will you follow man, or God? The decision is yours.
Eerily as I was finishing up this article, I heard the news of Charlie Kirk’s passing. He spoke the truth at all costs — and it cost his life. I was hoping he would have a long legacy, yet now he is gone all too soon leaving behind a wife and two small children. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord.
