Do Not Fear

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.  Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?  But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.  "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."  1st Peter 3:12-14

We do not fear what the world fears, but we do fear that which the world does not fear and that is where our paths separate.

The world does not fear the Lord nor try to walk in His ways.  As a result, the things that they have tolerated and even approved have now begun to bear fruit and they are fearful of where it is leading.  Ungodly living habits, legalized pornograpy, uncensored TV violence, and the rejection of God's word have all resulted in a world of violence that is getting out of control.

We do fear the Lord and although we recognize the mounting dangers in our world we do not fear because we know that our future does not depend upon the world or it's leaders.  God made the world, declared it good (Genesis 1:31) and placed men in charge but holds men accountable.  It is about time to audit the books and it doesn't look very promising for mankind in general.

Men recognize the danger but cannot or will not, admit to the cause.  I remember a comic strip of many years ago called "Pogo" in which the little imaginary creature announced, "We has met the enemy and he is us!"

Contrary to the claims of some politicians, lawyers, judges and special interest groups, God is not the problem, God is the solution.  Men's own conduct, behavior and rejection of God is the problem.

Paul spoke of such a time and said, in part, "....Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know." (The reason) "There is no fear of God before their eyes."  (Romans 3:15-18)

We recognize the danger but as those who "fear the Lord" we see beyond the coming judgment to the solution and we are not afraid.

But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice; let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them; let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. Psalm 5:11  KJV
  (Pastor Bill Cummins, Sheridan, Wyoming, drbc@bresnan.net)