“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, by afraid of the One who can destroy both body and soul in hell.”- Matthew 10:28
Bill Hybels continues Chapter 6 of Simplify with the assertion that you can stand up and fight when fear invites chaos and tragedy to reign. All that’s needed is a set of fear-fighting skills. However, Pastor Hybels adds, some fears should not be fought. They should be heeded. He calls such fears constructive fears.
For example, a certain amount of fear can motivate you to do your best on a huge work presentation or a school exam. Constructive fear also warns us of deeper, spiritual dangers as well- such as things that could imperil our eternal destiny. Yet, to lead simplified lives, we must defeat another kind of fear.
Pastor Hybels describes destructive fear as “baseless, useless, and crippling. . . . It simply nips away at our emotional well-being, cluttering and complicating our lives by erecting false barriers in our work, relationships, and even our recreational pursuits.” Destructive fear keeps you from fulfilling the mission God specifically has assigned to you. The author believes that, according to the Bible, the journey to overcoming fear is a joint venture in which we partner with God.
Next Pastor Hybels presents four steps to help us enter this joint venture with God and do our part to bring about freedom from fear.
Today’s question: What helps you differentiate between constructive fear and destructive fear? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Catastophizing”
Ministry Milestone : On October 19, 2015, Crown of Compassion hosted its 200,000th visitor. All thanks to God!
