I’ve been hearing a lot of messages being preached on fear, and rightfully so. There is fear of covid, there is fear of government and elections, and there is fear of our civil rights being violated or extinguished. While it is good to encourage one another with scripture, for instance; 2 Timothy 1:7 God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
However, we also must remember scriptures like;
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 where Paul says;
”Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law), So as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel that I may share in its blessings.
This scripture describes how Paul has made himself a slave to everyone. He limits his own rights and freedoms in order to connect with others. Paul encourages Christians to willingly give up their “rights” for the good of those who are weak in their faith.
Although, we should never try to please men over God, (Acts 5:29), maybe we could be more like Paul and follow his example. What do I mean? Ponder this; what if we wear a mask (not due to fear), but to start a conversation to communicate God’s love to someone who could be living in fear. By asking a simple question, “How are you today?” could possibly spark a conversation with someone in need of God.
Sometimes we need to meet people where they are at, not where we are at. I don’t want to take scripture out of context but I think Philippians 2:3-4 could pertain to this situation too.
It says; “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
We can use the uncertainty people feel about their future to inspire them to read The Bible and learn about God. So they can get to know a God who is never uncertain, always in control, and remains all powerful and unchanging. Even when the world feels like it’s turning upside down in someone’s life, we can give people the hope of a blessed future, and relay the message “This too shall pass.”
“Making the most of every opportunity”
God knows your future and He holds you in His hand.
