Do We Need to be Fearful Today?
Posted: Saturday, October 31, 2009
by Bruce Horst
WryteStuff
I've had something on my mind lately. It's ironic that the day that I finally get this off my chest is October 31st, the day where we celebrate all things ugly and scary, Halloween. As parents, Jean and I have often dreaded this day as we have raised our children to be non-violent where possible, and to look for the good in life. This holiday seems to go completely against this philosophy, and it makes me wonder what some parents could possibly be thinking by exposing their kids to such fright-inducing drama. We've tried to make the day a day of cool costumes for our family. Believe it or not, I've got an appointment in a few hours to get my hair cut like Mr. T. (Jean says I have to do it now to get it out of my system before I no longer have enough hair to do it!)
I've always been intrigued with the concept of fear. Probably because of my life-long struggles with depression I have been keenly aware of fear and the role it plays in our lives. I was raised in a strong Christian household with most of my childhood occurring in the 1970's, during which time the movie reels for "A Thief in the Night" were shared church to church and many were familiar with Larry Norman's song, "I Wish They'd All Been Ready." These both spoke of what Christians refer to as the "the Great Tribulation". I've also lived through movements which claimed to predict the end of the World or the beginning of such tribulation. In 1984 the planets were to align, throwing our solar system out of whack and causing the next ice age. In 1987-1988 there was a small booklet being sold with the title "88 reasons Why The Rapture Will Be in 1988" and of course everyone old enough to read this is familiar with the Y2K bug that was supposed to zap everyone on the planet back to the stone age.
I'm not mocking these things. As a Christian I do believe that some day Christ will return to Earth and there will be an "end of time" as we know it. Still, over the years I've observed some things that are less than Christian about these predicted doomsdays.
Even while young I recognized the inconsistencies. The fundamentals of Christianity, "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us," "saved by grace through faith," "take no worry for the morrow," "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace..." "Love the Lord with all your heart... and your neighbor as yourself" are all ok during normal times, but when the subject changes to the possibility of difficult times, these concepts can all fly right out the door. How could this inconsistency be?
I was also raised with the Scriptural understanding that "by their fruit you will know them," referring to false prophets. If the fruit of this fear mongering is contrary to the fundamentals of Christianity, then how can it be of God? Fear is a powerful thing. It can make you sick and can make a winning situation a losing situation. Frankly, in the past year I've witnessed gracious and generous Christians become bitter, selfish and hateful as a result of fear. What is Godly about this?
We live in turbulent times, and there is a chance that our economic system will completely collapse. There is a chance that our politicians will continue to sell our country down the drain for money and power until there is nothing salvageable. There is also a possibility that Christianity will be outlawed in public places. These would all be terrible things, but I have to ask, "so what?" Would God no longer be in control? Would we as Christians no longer have to love our neighbors? Can I hear a resounding "No!"? (For the record, I don't believe any of these things are going to happen and are mostly hyped by fear-mongering politicians trying to rally support.)
So how, then, should we be living? Like Schroedinger's cat, who can not be half-dead and half-alive, we can not average out our fear and be half-terrified and half-filled with trust in God. It's one way or the other. I earnestly hope that you can, with me, trust in God.
Even if you are not a Christian, the fact remains that if any of these World-changing events occur, there is nothing you can do to stop them from occuring and there is nothing you can do to prepare for them. You are faced with the choice to either live in gloom over possible catastrophes, or live for today, a day which you can influence and make the best of, for yourself and those around you.
I would encourage you to turn off the news and go play a game with your kids, or call up an old friend to ask how they are doing, or ask an elderly neighbor if you can help them with some household chores. This will exercise your faith and you will feel much better for it!
I plan on making the best of today, and I "pity the fool" who can't join me.
(this is me about 8 hours after I wrote this article.)
This Article has been viewed 1,757 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
More commentsHey Bruce,Well done....great article. You are absolutely right, there is a lot of fear mongering going on all over the place but as long as you are true to whatever your belief system might be, the day should always be as good as or better than the last and no one can take that away if it is their intention to do so. As I said before….well done and thank you for writing it. Best wishes to all.-IraThanks Ira!
Thanks for a great article Bruce. When I keep my eyes on God and not on people, places and things I have less fear. Thanks for sharing and have a great evening.Linda DThanks Linda, it was a great evening.
hi bruce,great costume, and i pity the fool who doesn't agree.i have found in my worst times, i am closer to God, and hold a continuous conversation with Him. in times of fear, He is the only one i can feel with His arms around me.thanks for a good article,my best,sueThanks Sue. I have had a lot of people comment that my head shape is an exact match for Mr. T.Hard times often do bring us closer to God, very good point.God bless you!
Nice job, Bruce. Will this article help Mr. T overcome his fear of flying on a plane?Thanks Bob, I totally forgot about Mr. T's fear of flying!
Bruce, thank you for this article. I have been working on releasing my personal fears, and your article helps put fear into perspective.
Okay, first off ... I can't see your face in this new pic, Bruce. Is that really you?Oh, by the way ... I enjoyed and agree with the article. Times of being fearful have passed and come again, Bruce. Sad, but true.Yeah, that's really me! I've had long-time friends pass by without recognizing me. I think it's mostly the mascara, though. Changing eyebrows can really change a person's looks.
Great haircut, and stance but do you have a hat for AFTER Halloween?The lessons one learns early in life are the hardest to unlearn.One can unlearn fear (I have had to) and though it wasn't easy to unlearn, it adds to my courage to know that I can ask fear to stand in the corner like a well trained German Shepard.If a nine foot tall reptilian alien should materialize in my living room I shall be very angry instead of very frightened.
It is always good to be reminded of the state of affairs we live in today. Especially in business where we tend to get caught up in a fear based economy state of mind just like today's consumer. The best service we can offer today to consumers and our families is hope. "When there is hope in the future there is power in the present"
(John Maxwell)
Good article Bruce,I can relate with the growing up in the sevevties and the things we havw seen put out there.Blessings,Michelle
Great article Bruce! I absolutely agree to live each day with your very best, and to turn OFF that NEGATIVE depressing news! Like you said to call up friends/family every so often see how they are doing, to help the elderly, even volunteer your time, and make the most of your life before the rapture comes. Thanks for sharing your faith, I like how you explained it well, that even in tough times or world changes that we all shall smile to each other love one another like you said.Im from Houston, I see Texas is in your profile where you from? Thanks for being in my fan club! Im new to this cool welcoming searchwarp community. Take care.Oh neatl hair cut and custome, Mr. TContinued Blessings,SarahThanks for the comments, Sarah. I'm in Houston, too... Welcome to SearchWarp!
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