Letters From the Field

February 25, 2008:

Lenten Letter No. 3

A Useful Fear? Part One

When I took on the challenge of writing these “Lenten Letters,” I thought I should more completely follow in the tradition of Lenten observance by committing myself to giving up something. I said I would “try a bit of transparency for a change.” Instead of keeping my darker side cloaked, I would reveal it…in hope that something useful might be offered to my readers. Often, revealing bad experiences and examining bad habits can yield good things.

I suppose it should be clear by now that I find fear to be a major stumbling block. It has been my persistent “demon,” using every available opportunity to distract and discourage me. Yet demons are not all-powerful. God, on the other hand, is all-powerful. Fortunately for us, our Father isn’t stingy with His power. Freely He offers it to us to use in our constant struggle against evil and error ( 2 Corinthians 10: 5, The Message).

Still, despite its destructive possibility, fear is actually not an evil thing of and by itself. Used properly, it can actually be one of the “God-tools” mentioned above.

“Now whoa!” you might say, “Didn’t you just describe fear as a ‘demon’? How can a demon be a God-given tool?” Well, before I go further, let me take a little time to clarify.

Some time ago, when I was struggling with doubts and worries, a thought occurred to me: “Let fear be a counselor, not a king.” In other, less poetic words, let a rational fear help your decision-making, but don’t allow it to take over.


Now, back to the “demon” analogy.

Recall that demons were once useful, helpful, and happy entities. They became evil after they began to seek more dominance than God had granted to them (Jude 1: 6). Likewise, fear (which was given to us by our Creator---for our own protection) can become problematic if it is not managed properly, if it is allowed to get out of control.

No doubt many of us have seen the bumper stickers that read “No Fear.” On the surface, that sounds like a desirable state to be in. However, we should stop and think: if we had absolutely no fear at all, we’d probably find ourselves doing some pretty stupid, if not indeed deadly, things. Because we are mortal, that is, able to die, it makes sense to be careful about what we do. God expects us to be careful with the bodies we were given (1Cor. 3:16-17). Since He is making us into something indescribably great (1Cor. 15:49), it is all the more important that we not take foolish, thoughtless risks ( Luke 4: 9-12).

This, I think, is one reason why we are told “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” I don’t think this scripture is telling us that God wants us to be being afraid of Him. Rather, I think the psalmist and the proverb-maker is trying to say that He gives us a rational sense of fear. In other words, we are to have a sensible apprehension. This mindset makes us more receptive to wisdom. Thus it is a gift of God, an important tool in our effort to “grow in grace and knowledge.”

I have always been the sort of person who just can’t know enough. I have always loved to learn. The very process of asking questions and going after the answers excites me .

I suppose that is another reason I am dwelling on this subject of fear. The very process of asking questions and going after the answers excites me .

I suppose that is another reason I am dwelling on this subject of fear. Yes, it has caused me a lot of trouble over the years. Still, by focusing on that subject, I find myself learning more about how to deal with it.

Fear is a natural part of our lives that can help or harm us. As I’ve tried to point out, I believe there is a Godly sort of fear, a fear that can actually be useful. In my next Letter, I want to take a second look at a scripture I used in an earlier piece. I hope I can share with you some of the joy I am finding as I am learning that I need not be either enslaved to or afraid of fear.

Peace to you all,

W. Arthur Herring, Jr.