Fear - A Double-Edged Sword: How It Shapes Our Priorities
Big Idea
Living faith courageously means God sets the expectations
Fear is a complex emotion that has the power to both drive us forward and hold us back. In this sermon, we'll delve into the multifaceted nature of fear and how it can either be a force for good or a stumbling block in our lives. We'll explore the ways in which fear can protect, empower, and bond us, but also how it can distort our perception of what's truly important and urgent. Drawing from the book of Haggai and various biblical examples, we'll discover the critical role that fear plays in shaping our priorities.
Fear: A Blessing in Disguise
Fear serves as a natural motivator in our lives. When faced with a looming deadline, fear of failure drives us to work harder and more efficiently. It also safeguards us from physical harm by triggering our fight-or-flight response when danger is imminent. Fear can even be exhilarating, fueling the spirit of adventure for those who love roller coasters, rock climbing, or other daring pursuits.
The Chemistry of Fear
Fear isn't just a psychological response; it has a physiological impact as well. When we experience fear, our bodies release a cocktail of chemicals, including adrenaline, dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. These substances provide us with energy and a sense of empowerment, which can be invigorating.
Fear's Unifying Power
Fear also has the unique ability to bring people together. Shared experiences of fear can create strong bonds among individuals, fostering lifelong connections. Many of us can attest to the deep relationships formed during challenging times, as we've leaned on friends and loved ones to navigate our fears together.
Fear's Clarifying Influence
One of fear's most profound effects is its capacity to clarify our priorities. When faced with life-threatening situations or imminent danger, fear often illuminates what truly matters to us. It strips away distractions and reveals our core values and desires.
The Dark Side of Fear
While fear can be a tremendous asset, it can also become a liability. Like the example of a relative's irrational fear of snakes, we have the power to let fear become distorted and overpower our rationality. When we allow fear to dictate our decisions, it can lead to misguided choices, anxiety, and even irrational behaviors.
Israel's Dilemma
The people of Israel faced a similar challenge during Haggai's time. They had been tasked with building the temple, a holy responsibility. However, as they settled in the land, their priorities shifted. The urgency of securing housing, protection, and food took precedence over obeying God's command. They had allowed their fear of earthly concerns to overshadow their fear of God.
Biblical Examples of Shifting Priorities
Examining biblical narratives, we find instances where shifting priorities led to disastrous consequences. The story of Peter walking on water with Jesus illustrates how Peter's focus changed from obeying his Master to fearing the storm. Similarly, King David's decision to stay home when kings usually went to war revealed a shift in his priorities, leading to a series of grievous sins.
The Power of Expectations
Israel's misplaced priorities stemmed from their personal expectations. This teaches us a crucial lesson: our beliefs about what's important and urgent can shape our actions. If we allow our expectations to stray from God's priorities, we risk losing sight of what genuinely matters.
Letting God Set Our Priorities
Living with courageous faith requires surrendering our expectations and allowing God to set our priorities. Instead of defining what is important and urgent ourselves, we must align ourselves with God's wisdom and purpose. This shift in perspective empowers us to live a life that genuinely fears and honors God.
Conclusion
Fear is a double-edged sword. It can either drive us closer to God or lead us astray when mismanaged. By recognizing the power of fear and aligning our priorities with God's, we can live a life marked by courageous faith. Let us commit to seeking God's priorities, trusting that He sets what is truly important and urgent.
Have you ever experienced a situation where fear motivated you to act courageously? What was the outcome?
Share an example of when fear distorted your perception of what was important and urgent. How did it impact your decisions?
Reflect on your own priorities. Are they aligned with God's priorities, or do you find yourself setting your expectations? Explain.
What steps can you take to surrender your expectations and allow God to set your priorities in different areas of your life?
Share a personal story of when living by courageous faith led to a positive outcome in your life or someone else's.
How can our church community better reflect what is important and urgent to God in our interactions with one another and our outreach efforts?
