Fear of What?!

The second chapter of Francis Chan’s book, “Forgotten God” asks believers what I think is the most relevant question before us concerning the Holy Spirit or God for that matter: “What are you afraid of?” It seems that fear drives may people in our day…both outside the church and inside. We’ve even got a scientific name for it…is anyone really surprised by that? Theophobia is the fear of religion or of God…this is not the healthy fear of the Lord that we read about in Scripture, which by the way is the beginning of understanding (Proverbs 1:7)…this is an irrational fear that grips us and refuses to let go. That’s what I think Chan is speaking of…fear that God might be right and I might be wrong. Fear that God wants to do something in my life and I am not sure I want to go there. Fear that I might be seen as a radical or a “religious” person, I mean, what would others think? Fears like these cripple disciples (I use the term loosely), causing their lives to be spent worrying and wondering what might have been, rendering their witness virtually useless for Kingdom purposes. It’s a sad day when satan can render someone useless because of what might be. The Holy Spirit offers us assurance, boldness, confidence and power. No fear here!