Thursday, May 20, 2021

Fear Masquerading As Wisdom and The Secular Tsunami

Many followers of Jesus are walking in fear but calling it wisdom.  The difference is subtle and often undetectable at first.  But there is a line that clearly differentiates wisdom from fear.  We were created to be people of wisdom not fear.  The former is life-giving; the latter is life-taking.  The drift from wisdom to fear creeps along at a slow deceptive pace. Most of us fail to recognize it's movement.  But it is happening. 

So what is the difference?

Wisdom                                     Fear

1. Brings peace                          1. Brings more fear

2. Brings unity                          2. Brings division

3. Trusts God                            3. Lacks trust

4. Walks in hope                      4. Walks in despair

5. Certain                                   5. Uncertain

6. Acknowledges risk              6. Wants no risk

7. Safety is a consideration    7. Safety is an idol

8. God supreme                       8. God suppressed 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were faced with a choice:  Walk with Godly wisdom and trust or walk in fear.  They chose the way that I like to refer to as obedient wisdom.  That is, they refused to bow down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.  Their decision was based on courage not naivete; humility not hubris; maturity not ignorant zeal.  Though thoughtfully aware of the consequences, they resisted the temptation to embrace the God-Will-Understand-Fear syndrome that has become rampant today in the Church.  It goes a little something like this:

Imaginary Conversation between them:  What should we do?  If we don't bow down, we will be killed.  But if we bow down, we will be denouncing our faith.  Maybe we can stand in our hearts but kneel physically?  Surely God does not expect us to be willing to die?  

Here is what is not imaginary:  They refused to allow themselves to drift from wisdom to fear.  They rejected the temptation to do mental gymnastics - seeking justification for the presence of fear in their lives.  Instead, they replied with this astounding declaration of faith:  O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.  If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.  But even if he does not, we want you to know, O King, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.

I'm crying as I quote these brave men.  Am I capable of such faith?  Am I willing to thoughtfully reject the secular tsunami crashing in on the Church knowing full well that there will be consequences? Will wisdom or fear reign my life?  Your life?

Father, give us a fresh baptism of wisdom.  Give us the strength and faith to trust you no matter the outcome.  Deliver us from the bondage of fear that we have allowed into our lives.  Forgive us for allowing fear to hinder our Kingdom-work.  You are our King.  No other.  May safety be a consideration but not an idol.  For we are motivated and empowered by your Spirit not human ingenuity or philosophies.  Guide us in the way of wisdom, righteousness, and mission.  May our supreme desire be to bring glory to Your Name in all the earth.  Remove our masks of fear. 

Ex nihilo,


R.J. Rhoden      


  

3 comments:

  1. Great work on fear vs. wisdom!

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  2. Very thoughtful and timely. Thanks for sharing this!

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  3. Thank you for sharing these wise words of wisdom! Hopefully our nation will turn back to true wisdom and away from fear.

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