This week I shared a lot on the subject of fear. Fear of skydiving, fear of confrontation , fear of “putting my big boy pants on” by becoming a lead pastor and fear of admitting to others that I wrote a book. Fear makes us do silly things. Ironically enough, public speaking is what most Americans fear most.
It’s weird to me that death isn’t on this list. Death seems at least a little scary, especially the whole process of dying. It definitely seems scary enough to appear on a list that has “clowns” and “zombies” on it. Clowns aren’t even real…
Regardless, fear is a huge factor in why people do or don’t do things. What’s even more interesting is how that is manifested among different generations.
For some, like millennials, fear can lead to inaction. For others, like boomers, it can lead to being overly cautious. Fear can have power over us, if we let it. It can affect our everything, and not in a positive way. Fear can also be healthy, like fearing God. This doesn’t mean that God is a tyrant who demands fear, but that He is instead a living breathing powerful being who must be taken seriously. Sometimes it’s tough to distinguish between things that actually warrant being feared and things that we maybe blow out of proportion, like public speaking. Consider the infographic below. On it are your chances of dying in each of these given activities.
It’s comical to me that sky diving was safer option than going to a dance party…
So, what are you afraid of? Is fear warranted? Are you conquering fears or are they conquering you? I think it’s an important distinction.
Don’t let fear prevent you from living life to the fullest. When fear becomes worry, it can undermine, stunt growth, and ultimately prevent you from being who you were made to be.
Matt 6:34 CEB Therefore, stop worrying about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Instead, remember this:
John 10:10b CEB I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest.
Until next time…
Peace Out!
#Blessed
