Are Christians Immune to Fear?

Are Christians Immune to Fear?

It may seem like a ridiculous question. Of course Christians are not immune to fear. Yet over the last few days as I have been talking with members of our church, I have heard the same sentiment repeatedly “I know Christians are not supposed to be afraid… but, I am … a little”. They always, but hesitantly, include the word “little” so I won’t be to disappointed in them.  Rest assured, I am not critical in the least of people who are fearful at any time but certainly, not while we are trying to figure out what is happening during this COVID -19 outbreak.

Fear – it is a natural human survival response. Fear signals us to stop, look, listen, be cautious about how we precede in unknown situations. Fear can save us from disastrous consequences. Praise God for fear.

If God had not created us with the fear safety mechanism our species would have self-destructed thousands of years ago. All you have to do is watch a couple of YouTube videos or episodes of Americas Funniest Home Videos to know that statement is true. One of my personal favorites of a malfunctioning fear emotion is a YouTube video of a bearded guy licking flames from a blow torch with his protective eyewear sitting on top of his head and his fire proof hairnet in hand. Ahhhh….the smell of singed hair! I wonder if it occurred to him that at the very least losing the beard might have been a good idea. Human beings are wonderfully and curiously made by God and often in our free will are incredibly foolish. So once again praise God for fear.

So if fear is a good and precious gift from God, where do many of us get the idea that Christians should never be afraid? Most likely this notion comes from all those bible verses (over 75 in the NRSV bible) telling us “Do not be afraid”. You see, fear is a good thing until it isn’t. Fear, when it is a warning signal to real danger is helpful. When our fear is disproportionate in a situation or if we perceive a threat where there is none, then fear no longer serves us well. Fear is a tool, not the whole skill set.

 God desires that when we are afraid we ask ourselves to stop, look, listen and pray for guidance. In most cases a better Biblical translation of “Do not be afraid” would be, “Don’t continue to live into your fear” or “Put aside your fear so you can let God in and hear God’s words of instruction and comfort.”

As Christians we do not have to be ashamed of being afraid nor do we need to think that fear is an unchristian response to those things that threaten our life.  However, God wants us to be grounded in our faith so we do not let fear spin us out of control.

So the next time you are afraid, grab your computer or a pencil and paper and stop to write down what you are afraid of. Then pray to God and ask for God to help you discern what is your wise course of action. List the things you can do and the things you cannot do concerning your fears. Then continue by writing about a difficult time where you experienced God’s presence through the experience. End this calming practice by breathing in the phrase “May the peace of God” and breathing out “Fill me with courage and hope”.

Another option would be to pick up the phone and call someone to talk/walk with you through your fears.

As always, let us remember, that as Christians, to walk in faith means to walk with God and one another.