Fear
Mankind's Greatest Foe
Gen. 3:10
"So
first of all, let me assert my firm belief
that the only thing to fear is fear itself
- nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror."
Franklin D. Roosevelt
A number of
recent news stories highlighted the growing
fear of many Edmontonians, due to the increase
of brutal homicides in our city!
Fear is a
universal enemy and certainly not new. It
had its beginning with Adam's rebellion
and fall, in the Garden of Eden.
After Adam
and Eve had disobeyed God's directive to
them, fear entered their hearts.
"And
Adam said, I heard Thy voice in the garden,
and I was afraid, because I am naked; and
I hid myself." (Gen. 3:10)
That its slavish
tentacles are spreading and increasing in
intensity is also prophetical. Jesus declared
that in the last days "men's hearts
will fail them for fear..." (Luke 21:26)
The leading
cause of death is heart disease. People
are suffering from strain, and stress is
adversely affecting a large number of men
and women. Alcohol consumption, drug abuse
and anxiety attacks is increasing, contributing
to heart disease!
Cancer is
the No. 2 killer and medical science believes
"fear" is a contributor - because
it constricts the vessels carrying blood
to affected areas.
Cigarette
smoking is a major cause, but why do people
smoke? Often, because they are uptight,
nervous and afraid!
Fear is "the
enemy" among us and is taking a tremendous
toll; psychologically, economically, domestically
and physically! As well as politically,
both nationally and world-wide!
Fear destroys
relationships, hinders growth in business,
impedes academic progress, breaks up families
and keeps people out of church!
Fear is often
the cause of strife, worry, bitterness,
resentment, jealousy and hatred - but fear
can be conquered and driven out of our lives!
Many years
ago, US President Herbert Hoover stated:
"The dominant emotion everywhere in
the world is FEAR. This applies to every
part of human activities - finance, industry,
farmers, workers, thinkers and government
officials."
The Atlantic
Charter, drawn up by US President Roosevelt
and Britain's Sir Winston Churchill is still
heralded as one of history's greatest documents,
championing the common liberties of mankind.
FREEDOM
FROM FEAR!
It contained
four essential freedoms: Freedom from Want,
Freedom from Fear, Freedom of Speech and
Freedom of Religion!
New York City's
Dr. David Mitchell declared, humans are
born with only two fears; sound of a sudden
noise, and unexpected removal of support
or falling!
There are
however many unreal, imagined and unreasonable
fears, which plague mankind. These, we must
reject in order to enjoy good mental health
and peace of mind!
Neurologists
believe that the lower central part of the
brain called the thalamus is the center
of all emotions; this is where fearful thoughts
issue from. The nerve center is also where
affection and love are born.
It is therefore
important that we sort out our thoughts
and allow only those that are sane, sensible,
wholesome and truthful stay in our minds.
The Bible
says: "As he thinketh in his heart,
so is he".
And St. Paul
admonished: "Whatsoever things are
true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of
good report...think on these things".
(Phil. 4:8)
There are
more than 40 phobias that harass humanity
today - from ailurophobia (the fear of cats)
to zoophobia (the fear of animals in general).
And there is healing for everyone - through
faith in Jesus Christ - and some old-fashioned
common sense!
The Bible
says, "For God has not given us the
spirit of fear, but of love, power and a
sound mind". (2 Tim. 1:7)
President
Roosevelt stated, "The only thing we
have to fear, is fear itself", and
the Bible says, "...perfect love casts
out all fears". (1 John 4:18)
What is the
opposite of fear?
It is faith
and faith brings us peace and tranquility!
Jesus said,
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I
give to you; not as the world gives do I
give to you. Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid". (John 14:27)
The Bible
says, "Therefore, having been justified
by faith, we have peace with God through
our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom also
we have access by faith into this grace
in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of
the glory of God". (Rom. 5:1-2)
Since perfect
love removes all fears, it is good to know
that God is love and His love has reached
out to us through the sacrifice of Jesus
Christ on the cross for us!
And because
He arose from the dead and is not only the
testator but the executor of His own will
- through the Holy Spirit - we are assured
of His total peace and healing for spirit,
soul (mind) and body!
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