Fearing People

Fearing people and trusting God are incompatible. The fear of people is a false trust. It says that if people think I'm unsuccessful, then I am unsuccessful. That is why people fear gossip so much. It strikes at their God. Fear manifests in both covert and overt behaviour. Both can also be present in the same person. it can be very difficult to identify. So, not only is it deceptive, but it is distracting too. It distracts from true worship. Other people's opinions can dominate a fearful person's course of life. What does God want? Would you do this if someone didn't notice? The fear of man is also deadly. Idols lie with false promises. With Israel, thrusting God was the opposite of living in fear. You are a slave to what you fear. Fear makes you complain instead of rejoicing. It makes you do what you know is wrong because you are afraid of other people. This covert sin is something you must take before God because it will not remain private. It will overflow into external lifestyle. Are you trusting God, or are you living in the fear of people?