The Fear of Man Is a Dangerous Trap
The title bears repeating, “The Fear of Man Is a Dangerous Trap.”
How so?
My heart says “yippee” at the thought of parachute gliding but my body trembles. Fearing man has the same result by paralyzing me in my tracks. From the time of our quick entrance from the womb to the world, we look for validation from parents, friends, and others. Then, as Christians, we find out that God is the only one we can actually trust. Mankind fades into oblivion but trusting God causes you and me to rise higher.
These scriptures confirm that you and I should fear God not man.
Proverbs 29:25 – The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted.
Isaiah 51:12 – I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass.
Until God is number one, it’s natural to look to authority figures for approval. People disappear from your life. They change their opinion about you or simply don’t think you’re worth the effort.
What happens when you’ve laid your foundation and faith on what man thinks of you? Do you crumble like King Saul did when the parade of admirers vanished?
Example of The Fear of Man
An anointed king, Saul’s life was mapped out by God. Saul needed to follow the plan but started making decisions contrary to what God expected of him.
I Samuel 15:1-3, 9 – Then Samuel said to Saul, “The Lord sent me to anoint you as king over His people, over Israel; now therefore, listen to the words of the Lord. Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he set himself against him on the way while he was coming up from Egypt. Now go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him; but put to death both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’” But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were not willing to destroy them utterly.
Crushing blows came to Saul when Samuel announced what God thought about his actions.
I Samuel 15: 10-11, 22-23 – Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel, saying, “I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands.” Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king.”
Saul’s life fell apart after that because he feared man.
I Samuel 15: 24 – Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have indeed transgressed the command of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and listened to their voice.
Samuel’s heart grieved. Still, he obeyed God and delivered a devastating message to the defunct king. Fear of mankind has additional consequences.
The Fear of Man
Fear God not man. Sounds achievable, doesn’t it? There’s a spiritual reason why satan loves for Christians to fear man. According to Proverbs 29:25 – “The fear of man brings a snare, BUT whoever puts his trust in the Lord will be safe.” satan’s trap presents opportunities to fail.
Notice the BUT in this scripture – you’re safe when trusting God. At the end of satan’s conniving lure is for you to fear rejection from people so you don’t seek God. You substitute bondage for freedom.
If you fall for satan’s lies, you set up people as idols in your heart. Then, you chase people rather than live in the safe arms of Jesus. Sometimes you don’t even realize satan captures you with his deceit. Before you know it, you’re overcome by peer pressure and would rather hide under a table then look foolish among “friends.”
If you fear what man thinks, people become a measuring standard when God tells you to do something. This power, fear of man, overshadows your every thought. You may impress others to stay in their good graces.
Don’t misunderstand the difference between the fear of man and how people perceive you as a Christian. Proverbs 22:1 indicates that having a good name and favor is better than riches like silver and gold. The rub comes when people become your “yes and amen” while God is nowhere in sight.
If fearing man is a problem for you, how do rid it from your life?
The Fear of Mankind: Ways to Stop Fearing Man
Ephesians 6:6 and Galatians 1:10 are two of the best scriptures to overcome the fear of mankind.
Not in the way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.
Paul makes it even plainer.
Galatians 1:10 – For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men? if I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ.
In the Bible, you’ll notice that David’s brothers didn’t like him. David encountered that a lot. What did he do? He built himself up by quoting scripture and writing psalms to God. He was tall on the inside when he faced Goliath because he ran toward the giant. Choose scripture that counteracts the fear of man. Other examples include Psalm 118:5-9, Psalm 27:1, Hebrews 13:6, Isaiah 51:7, Luke 12:4-5, and Deuteronomy 31:6.
Here are other ways to overcome the fear of man:
- Fear of God: Fearing God means that you have holy reverence and respect for Him. Stay close to God and He will continually cleanse and purify your heart, mind, and soul. End result: you won’t fear man.
- Bigger God: If your vision of people is large and your view of God is small, you have a lopsided spirit. Before you do anything, confess this sin of fearing people to God. Nothing balances out your view of God like overcoming the fear of man by meditating on scripture and fearing God.
- Self-Image: Are you constantly concerned about how you look? Do you look at yourself in every mirror? Are likes and follows on social media platforms the fuel that keeps you going? Remember: you’re totally accepted and approved by Jesus your Lord and Savior. There’s nothing you need to measure up to when trying to impress people. Jesus is already impressed with you.
Whoever you fear the most is who or what defines your destiny. Choose men and you always stand on shaky ground. Choose God and you’ll serve and love Him and others with all your heart. Remember: The fear of man is a dangerous trap that many fall into.