One of the most common problems people have is the fear of others. We worry about what others think and what they might say about us. This pushes us to further worry about how we perform in our occupation, what we look like, how we live, and what we own. The list goes on and on.
Do you see what is happening here? When your source of importance is based on what others think, you elevate them to a place of supremacy and control. This is a rollercoaster of continual insecurity and instability.
Now, being concerned about what people think is not bad. We should always be willing to listen and learn from others. However, worrying about what people think or don’t think to the point that you are unable to function is unhealthy. It is giving them authority that they do not have.
How can we overcome the fear of others? It is as simple as understanding that only one person deserves this place of authority in our lives: Jesus. He is the one who deserves our reverence. Our greatest concern should be what He thinks of us, not what others think. Jesus said, “But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!” – Luke 12:5. Jesus was speaking of His own authority not only as the giver of life but the judge.
Such fear is good as it leads us to seek Christ and His forgiveness. Those who place their faith in Christ are no longer objects of His righteous wrath but His Love (John 3:36). The Bible says, “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” – 1 John 4:15-18.
So, don’t worry about what others think of you; worry about what Christ thinks of you. And when you are right with Him, you need not fear, for you can be sure that “If God is for us, who is against us?” Romans 8:31.
Would you like to know more? We would love to speak with you. Call us at 425-432-0634 or contact us at www.taylorcreekchurch.org. We invite you to join us for Sunday service: 9:00 AM for Sunday School and 10:15 AM for Worship. Address: 21110 244th Ave. S.E., Maple Valley.
