I don’t speak up for the things I know to be right because of what others might say or think.
I laugh at things I know to be wrong because others around me are laughing.
I struggle with hidden sins and won’t confess this because of fear of what others will think.
I have trouble making decisions for fear of what someone will say about it.
I struggle with being open in worship, praise and praying.
I make decisions based on how others will respond.
I go places I know I shouldn’t go with people I know I shouldn’t be with.
I have difficulty being transparent and honest with others.
I often struggle with doubt.
I'm afraid to tell someone what they really need to hear for fear of how they will respond. I'm motivated by the opinions of others - more like a chameleon than the person Christ wants me to be.
The examples are endless………
The fear of man is not just a snare (Prov 29:25); it is an idol of the heart for many of us. In 1st Samuel 15 we see the tragic account of King Saul making the choice to disobey the direct command of God. Instead of completely destroying the Amalekites as God commanded, Saul and his army keep for themselves the best of the “plunder”. Stating their intention to sacrifice these animals does not account for their disobedience. (Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice” I Sam 15:22)
Saul has set up in his heart the idol of the fear of man. This is the motivation behind his actions. Saul feared man more than he feared God. He acknowledges this in I Samuel 15:24: “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandments of the Lord and your words because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.”
Fearing man more than God is idolatry. It always puts us in precarious places of danger. “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.” Proverbs 29:25
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