In the following 24 minute video, pastor Tim Conway responds to a questioner about the fear of man.
Dealing with the fear of man in a culture wherein most seek consensus via the political correctness of social media, is a huge problem.
That is, to think for yourself and separate from the herd that is following the latest religious trend…; to follow God’s word even if you are labeled a “hate monger;” a “fanatic,” a “Puritan,” etc., for doing so, takes courage, faith, resolve, and understanding why you also feel pressure to follow the crowd (even though you know they are on the path to destruction, the way of self, the way of the world).
Pastor Conway’s response provides some help for those who may be vacillating between two opinions, following the world (Baal) or following the Lord; as in the text below:
1Ki 18:21 And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word…
1Ki 18:38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.
1Ki 18:39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The LORD, he is God; the LORD, he is God.” [If you are unfamiliar with this passage, you would gain much by reading the chapter.]
(The people Elijah addressed were not able to follow the Lord by faith, they had to see that mighty display to move them from fence-sitting. We, on the other hand, need to walk by faith via God’s appointed means of grace.)
I ascertained a year or so ago that this is my biggest idol, people pleasing. Progress has been made, but I still agonize, at times, over not being accepted in certain circles.
It takes some scrutinizing self-observation and examination to see such idols; feedback from someone may start you on the road to such self-discovery; God’s word and prayer should move us all onto such paths.