Operating in fear

Much of life is unpredictable and outside of our control. And to be sure, evil, risks, and dangers are at every turn. But while there’s a wisdom to fear, we should not operate in fear. 

It’s clear we live in dangerous times. Our physical health and safety are not things we can take for granted, our relationships are strained and many on the brink of collapsing, and spiritual forces of evil seek to devour and take us farther away from God’s truth and goodness. 

And with Peter, we must remain ever alert and watchful to the dangers on every front so we’re not taken out. But staying alert doesn’t mean we operate in fear. 

Fear functions like a warning system – alerting us to any potential threats on the horizon. But by itself, fear also doesn’t discriminate, and any perceived threat can send our system into red alert, whether there’s an actual threat or not. It wants to protect us at all cost – even to the point of neglecting our duty to love others and enjoy the fullness of life God has given us. 

Part of what makes operating in fear so seductive is that it gives us an illusion of control. It gives us something to do, and a way we feel we can protect ourselves. 

But we must use our wisdom to discern the best response to the potential threats in life – considering other important matters such as faith, hope, and love. And it’s best to operate in these latter virtues. 

This doesn’t eliminate risks. But it does keep us from being taken out by our own worries and anxieties. In fact, part of staying alert and watchful is keeping fear in its proper place and not in the driver seat. 

Use fear wisely without operating in fear. Let faith, hope, and love be your guiding principles throughout your life and relationships. 

Photo by jagmeet bizra on Unsplash