How can we avoid letting fear of others influence our decisions today? Setting the scene: Luke 22:2 “and the chief priests and scribes were seeking how they might kill Him, for they feared the people.” What fear did to the religious leaders • Fear of losing popularity pushed them toward murder—an unthinkable choice for men charged with shepherding Israel. • They plotted in secret, trading transparency for self-protection. • Their reverence for public opinion eclipsed any reverence for God’s clear commands (“You shall not murder,” Exodus 20:13). Recognizing the same pressure today • Social media “likes,” workplace expectations, or family approval easily become modern crowds whose opinions feel decisive. • Fear whispers, “Blend in, stay safe, avoid awkward conversations about Christ.” • Unchecked, that fear still nudges believers toward compromise—silencing witness, shading truth, or stalling obedience. Biblical anchors that break the grip of fear • Proverbs 29:25 — “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.” • Galatians 1:10 — “Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? … If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” • Matthew 10:28 — “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” • Psalm 118:6 — “The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” • Joshua 1:9 — “Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? … the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Practical steps to choose faith over fear 1. Remember who holds ultimate authority. • God alone decides outcomes; people merely react (Isaiah 51:12-13). 2. Rehearse God’s promises out loud. • Speaking Scripture trains the heart to default to truth rather than anxiety. 3. Pray before you act or speak. • A thirty-second pause invites the Spirit to steady motives (Philippians 4:6-7). 4. Seek accountability. • Share temptations to people-pleasing with a mature believer who will gently but firmly point you back to Christ. 5. Take small, obedient risks. • Say grace at lunch, decline unethical requests, mention Christ naturally in conversation. • Each step proves God faithful and weakens the fear reflex. 6. Keep eternity in view. • “For this light and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) A daily decision path • Ask: “Am I driven right now by love for God or by fear of people?” • Choose the step that honors Christ, even if it costs immediate approval. • Trust that obedience plants seeds whose harvest God himself secures (Galatians 6:9). Stepping forward The chief priests’ tragedy warns us: fear of others can escort us to places we never meant to go. Anchored in God’s unshakable Word, we can answer every whisper of intimidation with truth, courage, and steady obedience—living for the applause of One instead of the crowd. |
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