We lose so much because of the things that we fear. The fear of finances, the fear of failure, the fear of disapproval, etc. All of these fears rob our lives of joy and obedience. We are masters at marketing our fears as other things, such as "wisdom", "good stewardship", or not being "qualified". I think it is quite likely that fear is the greatest inhibitor to our devotion to Christ. The fear of rejection, particularly the rejection of God the Father, reigns supreme. Not without reason did the apostle John write: "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears has not been perfected in love. We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:18-19 If we truly know that we are loved, we will not fear the truth about our sin because we have confidence in the grace and mercy of God. And if we know that we are truly loved, we will not fear rejection because we have already been accepted. If we truly know that we are loved and that God is truly sovereign, we will not fear financial obedience on the grounds of financial weakness because Jesus will supply our every need, when the need arises: "And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek first His Kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Do not be afraid Little flock, for your Father has gladly chosen to give you the Kingdom." Luke 12:30-32 If we know that we are truly loved, we will not fear obedience on the grounds of challenging circumstances because we trust in the words of our Savior when He said, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20. In short, if we make any decision on the motivation of fear, we are selling others and ourselves short by giving Satan a foothold in our lives. We cannot make good decisions for the Kingdom of God when we are controlled or motivated by fear. And fear is sin because it is not faith. So let's give it up. Do I hear an amen?
"Do not fret; it leads only to evil doing." Psalm 37:8