The Fear of Man

The Fear of Man

The fear of man is one of Satan’s most commonly used snares. He has imprisoned all of mankind in this snare. He has a hold on thousands upon thousands of people because of this fear. The cause of it all is the honor of man. There is a reproach over everyone who confesses the name of Jesus, and people are very afraid of bearing this reproach. They would rather die in ungodliness together with their relatives and friends than confess Jesus’ name before them.

The fear of man is also one of the worst enemies of the believers. In many cases they have to fight a hard battle just to give a testimony; this is how bound they are by this fear. By nature, people are so ungodly that they equate the honor of man with the honor of God. As a rule they prefer to be honored by man, who is like grass, rather than be honored by the living God who is and abides forever. The fear of man drives many people into a crippled, Christian life. They want to have a little bit of honor from God and a little bit of honor from man. However, this is impossible, because it is written, “Because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth.” Rev. 3:16. The fear of man is particularly prevalent in the beginning of one’s Christian life. Yet as we live a life of faithfulness and walk in the Holy Spirit, the fear of man gradually disappears.

Since we live in Christ, we cannot do anything but fear and love Him as He begins to reveal Himself to us. Then we have chosen the same lot as all the saints throughout all the ages: we would rather suffer evil together with God’s people than give in to people. Daniel chose rather to be thrown into the lions’ den and have fellowship with God there, than to be friends with man, and thus an enemy of God. Blessed is every one who fears the Lord; to him belong all the promises. But cursed is every one who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord. Jer. 17:5.