Is there anything more debilitating than fear?
This week I was reading an amazing sermon from Dietrich Bonhoeffer that he wrote and preached prior to the Second World War. A number of things were fascinating. He was a preacher. Not a teacher, although I am sure he could teach. This message was not some dry exegesis. It was forged in the crucible of a country undergoing severe change. He was preaching with the Bible in one hand, and a newspaper in the other.
In Germany change was being driven by fear and false control. Those who knew how to manipulate the peoples hearts were doing what they could to get control. To convince people that there was a genuine reason to fear, and then using that fear to get what they wanted.
Its a stark contrast with how Jesus led. He led with love. He had no position, no control. In fact He demonstrated this when He allowed Himself to be led to the cross. Those who can peak behind the curtain knew He could have called down the armies of heaven to destroy His enemies. But He chose not to.
How do we allow fear to rule our hearts, our minds, our decisions? Its a terrible way to live.
This week I have taken some inspiration from Deitrich and am speaking at my church on how Jesus led. Without the need to stir up fear and manipulate, people gave him authority. They allowed Him to lead them. Because He never forced Himself on anyone.
I know….Jesus wants everyone to live their lives free from fear. The only true way to do that is to accept His love for us. That He wants the best….for you.
Dear Pastor Mark Edwards,
My name is Jennifer Calvert from Ocean Reeve Publishing. I’m a publishing consultant for Dr. John Warlow.
Dr. Warlow follows your website and we both respect and admire your inspired vision and reflections.
We enjoy your blog posts, we practically enjoyed reading, “Fear,” about allowing fear to rule our hearts, our minds, and our decisions.
We were hoping to repost your blog post on our website https://www.drjohnwarlow.com/ referencing your site of course.
Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.