Don't be Afraid

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ~ Matthew 10:28

You may have wondered, “What else can go wrong this year?” And, now that the presidential election (and many others) are being settled, we will likely know the answer to that question. So, how shall we Christian Believers do respond? Jesus’ admonition above may seem fatalistic at first, but it’s actually a great encouragement. When we realize the promise of salvation through Christ our lives become eternal. When we put our souls in the hands of the only One who can preserve them, we are no longer so afraid of discomfort, pain, and death. 

We don’t enjoy suffering and more often our fears about human affairs have more to do with the plight of the most vulnerable among us, especially our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and elders. Jesus’ words are a reminder to guard our attitudes and to make informed decisions. If our souls are secure in Christ, then we can approach temporal affairs of the flesh with a peace that passes all understanding. We can focus our energies upon our Master’s will. 

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by[f] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation[g] under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. ~ Colossians 1:15-23 (ESV)

Living day-by-day, even moment by moment can be very liberating. It doesn’t mean that we are not working towards goals but that we understand that we may not reach them today, tomorrow, or in this lifetime. Everyone’s life needs a purpose, but if our sense of purpose hangs upon uncontrollable natural events and the whim of persons with authority, then we can lose hope. Therefore, when we place our lives in the Master’s care, we have His purpose to fulfill and all eternity to do so. 

 6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. ~ Colossians 2:6-7

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. ~ Colossians 3:1-4

The Apostle Paul states that God’s eternal purpose through Christ is that the Church (the Body of Christ) would be the diverse witness of God’s wisdom. (Ephesians 3:9-10)

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. ~ Ephesians 3: 14-19

Therefore, do not trouble yourselves with the oppression streaming from your news-rendering devices. Rather, follow Paul’s advice: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” ~ Philippians 4:8