Our mini-series on Faith is using the approach, often used, that the truth of one concept can often be learned by clearly understanding what it doesn’t mean or represent. Thus we attempt to learn about Faith by looking at the opposite of Faith which is Fear.
Last time we looked this definition of fear, “Fear is defined several ways at Dictionary.com. For our discussion this evening lets’ look at this definition: “distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.” We discussed “distressing emotions” See part one of Faith v. Fear by clicking here.
Tonight let’s look at the second material phrase in this definition: “aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined”
This the second material phrase in this definition and it starts with “aroused”, a word with great imagery. Aroused is defined as being brought to a state of great tension; stirred up,wound up,tense – in or of a state of physical or nervous tension. Another word that comes to mind is stress or stressed out. What gets us into this state of great tension, all stirred up and tense? A whole bunch of bad things, events, or circumstances gets us there. The interesting matter here is that the definition says that this impending set of facts that has gotten us all stressed out may in fact be only imaginary. Let’s take a step back and look at what this says about Fear. Fear is a distressing emotion (part 1 of this mini-series) that may be based on something that is never going to happen because it is not real. Fear is often the result of the person with fear being deceived about the truth of the circumstance in which they find themselves.
Well, what about when the fear is based upon some real impending danger, real evil, real pain, etc. is the fear then some how ok or acceptable because of the reality of the circumstances? The answer is still no, fear is still a distressing emotion. So either way fear is something to be avoided at all costs.
How can we do that, you might ask? Glad you asked because that is the topic of part 3 of this mini-series. You have to wait for the next post.
God’s Peace!
David
