One of the things I've noticed in this political season that is different from any other I've experienced is the amount of fear so many have yet who also claim to be Christian. While it may seem a trifle thing, it is not. Let me say two things that I hope will encourage you today:
First, it is not a light thing to disobey the commandment of God to 'fear not' even in light of the dark cultural forces that are at work presently in the world; things that cause us great discomfort and unease. For the Christian, fear of anything other than the Lord himself is not only disobedience, but it is also foolish. What has the Christian to fear? Loss of health? Are not these bodies wasting away no matter how diligent we care for them (2 Cor 4:16)? Loss of comfort? Was not our Lord in the desert 40 days and nights without food or shelter (Mt 4:1-2)? Disdain and mockery from the world for our beliefs and the way we live our lives (if in fact we are living in a way worthy of His Name)? Was not the Lord mocked and ridiculed and promised the same for those who would be his disciples (Lk 21:17)? Are we to fear death? Didn't our Lord say, "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Mat 10:28). No, in all things we are to stand fast in the faith that has been wrought in us by the power of the Holy Spirit in which we do not fear but rejoice in all circumstances because our King reigns! While there is plenty of room for us to weep and to mourn over the lostness of the world as well as those we love and care about, to fear is something we ought not to do. Fear misdirects us; misguides us; deceives us; and ultimately leads us to where it wants us to go. We must not fear. The good news is that we need not fear. For there is no fear in love as perfect love casts out fear and our God has loved us well in face of his Son, the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Secondly, I would like to point out the cause of our being able to 'fear not' in the midst of corruption and evil in this fallen world. Do we not have the help of the Lord? Dear Christian, can you confidently say with Isaiah and with the writer of Hebrews, "The Lord is my helper, I will not fear! For what can man do to me! (Heb 13:6). Is the strength of the Lord not enough for your wearied soul? To whom would you look and to whom would you seek to shelter you from the storms of life if not the Creator of the Universe himself? Is it not the Rock of your salvation and the Mighty King who watches over you; the One by whom all things were made by, thru, and for! O' fear not, those of you who truly fear the Lord, for your salvation awaits you and your King is always near.
Finally, let me add a word of caution for those who are bold in this world and claim to be Christian also. Make sure your boldness is grounded in repentance and sorrow for the sin that has tarnished God's good creation. Purify yourselves; wash the stains of your own conscience in the blood of Christ; rend your garments and pray for mercy that you might be found in Him on that great and terrible Day! There will be no room in heaven for the arrogant; the proud; the contentious or quarrelsome; the malcontents; or those who find comfort in the things of the world - for what fellowship can darkness have with light (2 Cor 6:14)? Many will come to the Lord on that Day and proclaim, "Lord, Lord, didn't we do many good things in your name?" and He will say to them, "Depart from me you worker of iniquity. I never knew you." (Mt 7:21-23). Being on the right side of the political aisle from a Christian perspective is no substitute for ther personal holiness of the individual believer. The Lord will judge his people (all people are ultimately His) and it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God (Heb 10:31).
But, for those of you who have knelt before the King of glory and received the grace of God in repentance and faith; trusted in the Trustworthy One for the salvation of your soul; to you I say... fear not, for it is God Himself who will help you!