What are some of the idols of the heart?
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 2 - Repent Before God, Question 16, p. 32
A healthy attitude includes caring about what others think of us. Such an outlook is important in developing and maintaining relationships. However, when we exhibit an excessive concern about what others think of us, it reveals another idol. Being overly anxious about what others think is called "fear of man." This idol can lead to a preoccupation with acceptance, approval, popularity, personal comparisons, self-image, or pleasing others. But how do the Scriptures contrast this fear of man with the fear of God?
Proverbs 29:25 warns us, "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe." The fear of man traps us in a cycle of anxiety and self-doubt, constantly seeking validation from others. This kind of fear is detrimental to our spiritual well-being as it shifts our focus away from God and onto human approval.
This idol is revealed when we act out of fear or anxiety about what others think of us. We might do something that we know is not right just to gain others’ approval. The attitudes of “I just want to be accepted by others!” or “I just like to please everyone!” lead us to do sinful things just so that we will be accepted or liked by people. Peer pressure is a form of fear of man.
In contrast, the fear of God is a profound respect and reverence for the Creator, acknowledging His supreme authority and power. Luke 12:4-7 provides a powerful reminder of this. Jesus says, "I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows."
These verses emphasize that while human beings can only affect our physical bodies, God has authority over our eternal souls. The fear of God, therefore, instills in us a sense of awe and humility, leading us to trust in His providence and care.
This divine fear, however, is not one of terror but of reverence, knowing that God is merciful and forgiving. Through Christ, we receive God's forgiveness, which liberates us from the bondage of sin and the fear of man. By embracing the fear of God, we align our lives with His will, finding true peace and security in His everlasting love.
The Scriptures clearly distinguish the fear of man from the fear of God. While the former ensnares us, the latter frees us to live faithfully under God's grace. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we receive the ultimate gospel forgiveness. As 1 Peter 2:24 says, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." Let us, therefore, seek to fear God above all, trusting in His forgiveness and love, and finding healing and true peace in His everlasting care.
This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:
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