04/01/2021
FEAR: IT EFFECTS ON MANKIND
If there is one thing that we need to embrace or overcome in our life, one thing that keeps us outstanding among others,
one thing that bring about inferiority complexes, one thing that give us blessings above our counterparts, one thing that limits us from being blessed, it is Fear.
Fear is a feeling of anxiety concerning the outcome of something or the safety of someone.
In human, fear is modulated by the process of perception and learning. Thus, we can say fear is judged as rational (appropriate) or irrational (inappropriate). An inappropriate fear is what we call phobia.
The word fear occurred many time in the bible and it was so because it is one word that can initiate wisdom, help build our self-esteem as well as threaten our destiny if not courteously guided. Whether it is a good fear or a bad kind, fear is often determined by the setting in which the word is used. In 1 Peter 2:17, we read, âHonor all men; love the brotherhood; fear God.â Fear in that verse is used in the good sense. It is the godly, reverential fear. In 1 John 4:18, we read, âPerfect love casteth out fear.â Fear, in that verse, is used in the bad sense. Perfect love does not cast out all fearânot innate fears, nor reverential fearâbut the unwholesome and carnal kinds of fear are dispelled by true love for the Lord. Although fear is a common experience of modern life that we just canât avoid. Our jobs are often at stake, marriages are under stress, our academics are not balanced, and our loved ones struggle with social pressures they could not even have imagined. Letâs face it, the world generally is a dangerous place. So, as long as there is the desire to be something there must be fear. Although there are many ways human fears can be reduced but the bible remains the utmost source of comfort in those troubled times when we are overwhelmed by fear.
READ: PEOPLE'S NEGATIVE FEEDBACK https://inspirational5words.wordpress.com/2019/07/26/peoples-negative-feedback/
The self is the root of all fear. To inhibit or suppress fear is not to transcend it; it cause must be self-discovered and so understood and dissolved through the help of the holy spirit, mental therapy etc.
The effects fear has on humanity can be beneficial and also detrimental.
The bible clearly stated in psalms 111:10 that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdomâŠâŠ.. This is one of the beneficial aspect of fear on mankind. Likewise, Proverbs 1:7 said similar thingâThen fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. This doesnât mean that we are subjected to irrational phobias, but it is a way of total reverence to God through the help of the holy spirit. Reverential fear helps us to desist from evil and act rightlyâProverbs 16:6 and when we do that, we begin to experience Godâs perfect wisdom upon us.
Fear is inversely proportional to your faith. Fear is a way of thinking, that causes you to focus on the consequence of failure or an unwanted result, preventing you from taking action. This was what happened in Numbers 13: 31â33 when Moses sent 12 Spies, except the fearful fellow came back with evil report because their heart were filled with fear when they visited the land. On the the contrary, Caleb and Joshua exercised faith mentality which is a way of thinking that causes you to focus on the reward of obedience or the favorable outcome of a situation. Consistently being in the presence of God will embolden oneâs faith.
Faithâin the absence of fear, will embolden the individual to take action because of their trust in God.
The disciples of Jesus faced the fear of persecution, during and after His lifetime. Sometimes they succumb to their fear but often, their faith saw them through and enabled them deal with sometimes violent opposition to their new faith.
Carnal Fear.
Carnal fear is a senseless dread and a nagging anxiety. This kind fear that is always evil, and takes advantage of our vital potentials
It is the fear expressed by Adam in Genesis 3:10 when he had sinned. Adam ran and hid himself, and when he was asked why he was hiding, he said, âBecause I was afraidâ
This is the kind of fear the devil uses to bring down Godâs children.
Innate Fear:
This kind of fear is a normal God-given emotion. God has built into each of us an instinctive fight and flight system which is designed to protect us from harmâ from drunken drivers, hardened criminals, lateness to exam hall, and fierce storms. These are normal fears which are necessary for our protection, and for the preservation of life and betterment of Humanity. Fear is the greatest teacher of all time in that it keeps you active. It helps you prepare for an exam so as not to fail. It helps you practice good hygiene in order not to fall sick etc.
Detrimental effects/Impacts of fear on mankind
Insensitive to opportunities
Inferiority complexes
Threaten your health
Weakens your prayer and social life
Death: this may be as a result of ill-health, depression, poverty, joblessness, failure in exams etc
How to overcome our fear
We came overcome fears by learning about the power of loveâ1 John 4:18-19
By confessing our since and allow God to lead usâ1 John 1:9
Assume your sonship positionâRomans 8:15
Understand the power of His wordâHebrews 4:12
Develop self confidenceâPhilippians 4:13
Read Also: The Vision of Love https://inspirational5words.wordpress.com/2020/05/21/the-vision-of-love-2/
© Ihianle Precious Chukwuyem