August 8, 2013

I am not fearless — but I’m getting better. I’m afraid of far fewer things than I used to be! Several things play into this happy state of mind.
The first, is my knowledge of where I will spend eternity. Before I became a Christian I wavered between two states. Optimistically, I hoped there was no afterlife .. I could “eat, drink, and be merry”. Pessimistically, I feared that I was wrong and that I might be laying up an eternity of trouble for myself. Becoming a Christian changed all that. I know that whatever happens in this life is a prelude to a great future.
The second, to be honest, was something very pragmatic that someone told me, and that my own experience confirmed. “Listen”, he said, “95% of the things we fear never happen, and the other 5% are out of our control.” It’s true. And I’m reminded of the words Shakespeare put into Caesar’s mouth — “Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once.”
The third reason for my increased confidence is my knowledge of scripture. As well as his advice to Timothy, Paul wrote to the Romans:
“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”
He was really only repeating an assurance and an instruction from Jesus:
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
I am not so far advanced that I never fear. When I hear of terrorist threats that might affect flights, or of horrid murders in the streets, I cannot deny a concern. Though I look forward to an eternal future, still there is much about this present that I do not wish to leave behind — but I am trying to come closer to Paul’s profile of a believer.
What does Paul say we should be?
Fearless — because, knowing the truths of the gospel, what is there really to fear?
Strong — we are to be strong of will, intent on doing what is right and following the Holy Spirit’s guidance to avoid wrong choices
Loving — we are to be loving, for “by this shall they know you, that you love one another”
Self-controlled — for most of us, perhaps, the hardest challenge! Alexander MacLaren, that great commentator of the late 19th and early 20th centuries provides the answer — “Brethren, there is only one thing that will give complete self-command. If you make trial, I will guarantee that it will not fail. Trust to Jesus Christ; ask Him to govern, and He will help you to control yourselves. ”

Will you take up the challenge with me, and seek to lay aside fear and put on the strength, love and self-control that our God will provide if only we will ask?