FEAR FREE
Ever since my wife, Belinda, has been on the gluten-free dietary regimen, she makes heroic efforts to diminish our intake of that gluey substance which is the remaining residue when grain flours are washed to remove starch. I applaud her efforts, and I must admit that her ziti is just as tasty, devoid (as much as possible) of ingredients containing gluten. Belinda is an absolutely terrific cook and a loving wife. Indeed, great matrimonial grace is reflected in every single thing that she does.
While I was pondering a recent ‘culinary lecture’ on the dangers of glutens – so thoroughly presented and articulated by my darling wife – my mind somehow wandered to another place. [Note To All Wives: FYI, your husbands might be occasionally guilty of drifting during particularly lengthy discourses! Smile!] Any-h-o-o-o, Belinda’s commentary made me think of some ‘spiritual glutinous substances’ that potentially prevent us from embracing what I will term ‘healthy-life-diets.’
Unquestionably, FEAR tops the list of toxic emotional substances that we are prone to ingest and digest, often without consciously considering the negative ramifications of its resultant mindset and actions.
While I agree with my wife that it is very important to embrace a dietary regimen that is free from destructive culinary elements of every stripe, I am convinced that it is of equal (perhaps even greater) importance to rid ourselves of a daily intake of various and sundry ‘satanic poisons,’ such as fear.
Why? According to Dictionary.com, “FEAR” is “a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined – something that causes feelings of dread or apprehension.” Obviously, “GOD is not the author of confusion, but of peace.” (I Corinthians 14:33) We know, then, who the real source of fear would be. Right?
Bottom-line: “GOD has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (II Timothy 1:7) This fact neatly dovetails with the essence and character of our Creator, since “GOD is LOVE.” (I John 4:8b) By abiding in Him, and He in us, we are enabled to escape that tormenting and troublesome snare of living imprisoned by fear. After all, writes John, the apostle of love, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love [GOD] casts out fear: because fear hath torment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.” (I John 4:18)
Fear is the polar opposite of faith. And “without faith it is impossible to please him [GOD]: for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) Fear is closely akin to a computer virus. Think about it. Fear directly impacts one’s ability to think clearly, to accurately process information and to act in ways that are appropriate and advantageous. To wit, fear is the ultimate blessings-blocker.
The antidote to fear is always effective and available. That is, we must train our minds to THINK, REJOICE, AND PRAY…FAITH-FULLY. Prayerfully consider these pertinent scriptural admonitions:
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
Ever since my wife, Belinda, has been on the gluten-free dietary regimen, she makes heroic efforts to diminish our intake of that gluey substance which is the remaining residue when grain flours are washed to remove starch. I applaud her efforts, and I must admit that her ziti is just as tasty, devoid (as much as possible) of ingredients containing gluten. Belinda is an absolutely terrific cook and a loving wife. Indeed, great matrimonial grace is reflected in every single thing that she does.
While I was pondering a recent ‘culinary lecture’ on the dangers of glutens – so thoroughly presented and articulated by my darling wife – my mind somehow wandered to another place. [Note To All Wives: FYI, your husbands might be occasionally guilty of drifting during particularly lengthy discourses! Smile!] Any-h-o-o-o, Belinda’s commentary made me think of some ‘spiritual glutinous substances’ that potentially prevent us from embracing what I will term ‘healthy-life-diets.’
Unquestionably, FEAR tops the list of toxic emotional substances that we are prone to ingest and digest, often without consciously considering the negative ramifications of its resultant mindset and actions.
While I agree with my wife that it is very important to embrace a dietary regimen that is free from destructive culinary elements of every stripe, I am convinced that it is of equal (perhaps even greater) importance to rid ourselves of a daily intake of various and sundry ‘satanic poisons,’ such as fear.
Why? According to Dictionary.com, “FEAR” is “a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined – something that causes feelings of dread or apprehension.” Obviously, “GOD is not the author of confusion, but of peace.” (I Corinthians 14:33) We know, then, who the real source of fear would be. Right?
Bottom-line: “GOD has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (II Timothy 1:7) This fact neatly dovetails with the essence and character of our Creator, since “GOD is LOVE.” (I John 4:8b) By abiding in Him, and He in us, we are enabled to escape that tormenting and troublesome snare of living imprisoned by fear. After all, writes John, the apostle of love, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love [GOD] casts out fear: because fear hath torment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.” (I John 4:18)
Fear is the polar opposite of faith. And “without faith it is impossible to please him [GOD]: for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) Fear is closely akin to a computer virus. Think about it. Fear directly impacts one’s ability to think clearly, to accurately process information and to act in ways that are appropriate and advantageous. To wit, fear is the ultimate blessings-blocker.
The antidote to fear is always effective and available. That is, we must train our minds to THINK, REJOICE, AND PRAY…FAITH-FULLY. Prayerfully consider these pertinent scriptural admonitions:
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
I Thessalonians 5:17-18
Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Luke 18:1
Then He [Jesus] spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.
Living fear-free is the believer’s right and heritage. It is a God-given covenant promise and an absolute privilege. To live any other way basically dishonors God – because anyone who exists shrouded in constant anxiety and fear does not confidently trust in God or His Word.
My
friend, live fearlessly. Exist
joyously. For joy is the simple
assurance that CHRIST is always at the center of your life circumstances.
Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all
else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!
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