The fear of man brings a snare:
Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
Eight things that the fear of man will bring:
1. Lack of persistence or follow through of God given dreams or desires.
2. Stifling of God given gifts, talents and abilities.
3. Lack of peace.
4. Anger, frustration, depression.
5. Hopelessness and despair.
6. Lack of passion, zeal, and purpose.
7. Lack of courage to lead.
8. Stifling of creativity.
In reading Napoleon Hill, I read of one of his hindrances to success, defined as a lack of persistence. One of his reasons for this he calls: “FEAR OF CRITICISM – a failure to make plans, and put them into action, because of what other people will think, do, or say. This enemy, belongs at the head of the list, because it generally exists in one’s subconscious mind, where its presence is not recognized.
In examining this fear he states: The majority of people permit relatives, friends, and the public at large to so influence them that they cannot live their own lives, because they fear criticism…
Millions of people neglect to acquire belated educations, after having left school, because they fear criticism.
Countless numbers of men and women, both young and old, permit relatives to wreck their lives, in the name of DUTY because they fear criticism. (Duty does not require any person to submit to the destruction of his personal ambitions and the right to live his or her own life in his or her own way)
People refuse to take chances in business, because they fear the criticism which may follow if they fail. The fear of criticism, in such cases is stronger than the desire for success.”
Paraphrased, from ‘Think and Grow Rich’ p 219
Again, I recite from Proverbs, the wisdom of God:
Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
Here we see an insight from heaven that confirms Mr. Hill’s thoughts. Notice this verse is very succinct, yet pertinent. It diagnoses a condition, and immediately presents the cure:
THE CONDITION: The fear of man.
THE SYMPTOM: A captive life, ensnared in relationships or commitments contrary to the vision or God given ambition or desire of one’s heart.
THE CURE: Faith! Deliberate turning away from people, places, or things that would fetter one from your God given destiny and desire. Delilberate trust in God Himself.
This is not irresponsible, or negligent, as many would love to throw the net of guilt upon one set upon running the race of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus; rather, is simply obeying God, not man, any man, even if that man is a close relative. We cannot, indeed, MUST not be fettered by the ungodly tyrannical chains, of family tradition.
Honor our family, our relatives, and definitely our parents and elders, YES!
Yet, honoring them, does not mean obeying them, as adults. We can gently, with strength, humility, and purpose, choose our own way to fulfill our God given destiny, whether they agree or not!
I remember one morning in devotions, when I knew clearly that Jesus Himself had spoken to me, to leave a certain person close to me, who was obviously going a different direction to what I knew to be the specific plan and will of God for me, personally. As I prayed about what to do, in anguished prayer, I heard Him say: ‘Leave them, and you will be of use to them, in years to come!’
Ultimately, one day, we will each stand before God to give an account of our lives, alone.
So, we run our particular race, with passion, zeal, purpose, for that which WE have been created to do, not what others might think we should be doing!
It is a fight!
Remaining free from the tyranny of ungodly expectations of others!
This is why, as parents, we must be careful to diligently pray for our children, inquiring of heaven, the will of God for them, nor necessarily what we would desire for them:
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in THE WAY HE SHOULD GO: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Ecclesiastes 12:13
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
1 Peter 1:17
And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Seek First Jesus today, and He will turn your greatest fears into testimonies of His grace, deliverance and glory!
Obey God, not man…
Let’s Pray:
‘Father, deliver me from every fear of criticism, of what people might think, and may I fully embrace the purpose, destiny, and desires YOU have for me. Set me free from the insane tyranny of ungodly expectations, that I might find the rule and reign of Jesus, the Prince of peace, and follow His peace, all the days of my life here in the earth, Amen’