Fear

Matthew 6:31-32
“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”

One highly qualified British creationist scientist related to an audience how another scientist has approached him, to help with a course he thought their university should run, about the problems associated with evolution. My friend said he would be happy to help. A few days later, the other scientist returned sheepishly to my friend. He would not, after all, be able to run the course. It had been put to him that, if he were to do so, he would lose his career.

Some creationist scientists, working in secular universities, have estimated that many of their colleagues do not really accept evolution, but are afraid for their careers, their future, and their ability to provide for their families. Fear is a very real phenomenon. While not many Christians lose their lives for their faith in Western countries, like the United States, even peer-pressure can cause an element of fear.

There may be a case for intelligent circumspection, and there is certainly no biblical mandate for deliberately seeking out persecution. Nevertheless, we must remember that Jesus counseled us against fear and against worry. “Do not be anxious, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’” Jesus wants us to face issues with confidence, knowing that we are doing His will. It is not everyone’s calling to stand up for the creation account, in an academic setting. But we all have our situations, where the rubber hits the road, where we are called to trust in Him, rather than in the agencies of the world.

Prayer: I pray, Lord, that You will take away our anxieties, and give us boldness instead; boldness to carry out Your will in every situation. Amen

Author: Paul F. Taylor

Ref: Matthew 6:31-32 Image: Adobe stock photos, licensed to author

Print