Constructive Fear

At the onset of the quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I posted a question on my Facebook status: In the midst of the COVID 19 outbreak, what are you most afraid of?

There were answers like fear of the unknown, fear that people will get greedy or loved ones will get sick, and several others. Me? I honestly feared that the world will plunge into a recession and that the situation of the Titanic will be repeated when the poor were locked in and only the elite were able to escape. I felt this when I found out that the plane tickets from Manila to Cebu shoot up to P10,000 right after the president announced the lock down.

As a finite human being, it is our nature to have this unpleasant emotion called fear. However, each one responds to it in different ways. For some they give in to fear, others deny their fears, and for the brave ones they fight head on.

Are you afraid to be afraid? Have you ever thought of what will happen to the world if everyone has “no fear”?

After some thoughts and readings about fear, I realized that some fears are very essential to one’s life and I would like to call these as Constructive Fears.

First is the fear that protects us from harm. The Protective Fear. This fear causes us to be aware of danger, be it physical, emotional or spiritual and compels us to stay away or practice preventive measures.

Maybe some of us are not afraid of death but to go through an unpleasant and painful process of dying is another thing. So we decide to be obedient and comply with the safety measures set by the authorities.

Second is the fear that brings humility. The Humbling Fear. Romans 12:3 reminds us not to think too highly of ourselves. The world has been promoting the mindset of “believing in yourself.” Yes, this will help us gain our confidence but wouldn’t it be more powerful to depend on someone who is infinite than our own finite self?

My job and ministry requires me to deliver speeches and inspirational talks, conduct trainings and workshops. It has been more than 2 decades and still I get nervous and afraid before every event. Seriously, I am thankful for this fear because this the only way for me to fully rely on His divine strength and be reminded that my purpose is not to promote myself but God.

Third is the fear that covers all fears. The Reverent Fear. King Solomon in Proverbs 9:10 stated that: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

This fear brings repentance and obedience which is completed by the love of Christ. The fear of God brings us to an awe and deep reverence as we come into his mighty presence. As believers, we don’t come into his presence only when we are reading the Bible or in church, we are to live in His presence in every tick of the clock.

As I read the daily news about our country and the world, most of them are heart-breaking. The questions that always lingers in my mind is “How can these people dare to do dishonest ways? How can they murder others without feeling any guilt? How can leaders not be diligent in their job?” My own questions are answered as I write this blog, they don’t fear the Lord.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. When we have true reverence for God, it becomes our nature to glorify God in every thought, feeling and action. When we are in constant awe of God, we can overcome all other fears in this temporal world.

Take heart my friends. Do not be afraid to be afraid but overcome every fear with the fear of the Lord.

Proverbs 9:10 New International Version (NIV)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.