Think of a time when you were fearful of others. For some, this might look like fearing harm or violence from a specific person or group. But for many of us, we can get sidelined by a different kind of fear...
Maybe you're worried that someone won't like you—your personality, your looks, your opinions, or your work.
Maybe you're afraid that speaking up for what's right could cost you—your job, your reputation, your comfort.
Maybe you've felt misunderstood, and the narrative has gotten twisted—with a little bit of truth and a whole lot of exaggeration. There's more to the story, but it's challenging to explain.
Maybe you’re so busy and preoccupied, making sure everyone around you is happy, that you're neglecting your own life and calling in the process.
Maybe you say “yes” to any and every opportunity or event—because you don't want to let anyone down, or get left out.
There are many ways in which we might live in fear of others. But the result is always the same: striving for man's approval leaves us anxious, exhausted, distracted, and disappointed. When we fail to trust God, it shows.
"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."
We cannot trust God if we’re living in a constant state of fear, because fear is the opposite of a faith-fueled trust. God’s approval, after all, is the only approval that matters.
Pleasing God matters more than pleasing people. Being accepted by God matters more than being accepted by people.
The great news is, we don’t have to earn His acceptance! We don’t have to prove that we are worthy of His time, attention, or love. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection did this for us. We are now considered worthy because He is already worthy! When we belong to Jesus, the Holy Spirit helps us to become more like Him.
Acceptance and inclusion from others will never give us the true safety and security we desire. But God’s acceptance of us is unconditional, and it transforms us from the inside out. We simply need to receive Him—allowing His love to change the way we think and act.
As the knowledge of God's love increases in our lives, the fear of people decreases.
When we trust in God, we can rest in the assurance that we are secure for eternity. We are loved by our gracious Savior. He alone has the power to change the course of our lives.
Take some time to survey your own heart. Are your thoughts, words, and actions a result of fearing man—or trusting God? Consider a few small ways you can begin to place your trust in God rather than living in fear of what others might think.
