Fear makes fools out of individuals if not “bridled”, because “fools make a mock of sin: but among the righteous there is favor.” (Proverbs 14: 9). Therefore, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6). President Franklin D. Roosevelt said it best: “We have nothing to fear, but fear itself.” But, more importantly, “The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.” (Proverbs 14: 8). The devil desires that individuals live in fear of manmade “circumstances and social conditions” in order to create confusion, because confusion destroys. Yet, the fear of Almighty God is instructions in wisdom. “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” (1 Corinthians 14:33). In this biblical context, church refers to the souls of individuals, not physical structures that are the embodiment of the “visible-invisible” church without walls. Of course, church begins with moral conscience, and is structured institutionally in family life.
As Christian Americans, we should not allow our “unbridled-fears” to become the undoing of our democratic “civilized-democratic-processes”, because fear fuels (energizes) the enemy’s agenda. Herein lies the truth of the matter, The Prophet Isaiah stated emphatically when faced with similar circumstances: “In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression: for thou shalt not fear: and from terror: for it shall not come near thee.” (Isaiah 54: 14). Today, I “personally” know this scripture to be a powerful spiritual truth (testimonial) that can be inspirational to all, because I was born in the dark days of racial oppression (institutional racism) that is prior to the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Therefore, all twenty-first century, Christians can say, because First century Christians said: “The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13: 6). First century Christians were thrown in lion dens, burned at stakes, crucified and experienced a lot of other unsavory ways of taking human life, but Christianity is still alive and “standing” for the righteousness of God, because “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34).
Why all the “fear and rancor” in American society? America has become a gun culture. American society has more guns than citizens. The question then becomes, do people feel secure with all of their guns? Or do they fear others, because they have guns too? Let’s be honest with ourselves, just maybe, we need to get guns checkmated legislatively! The First Amendment right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness should be paramount, not guns. Of course, this is why it is First, rather than Second, because “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.” (Psalms 56:11). Without a doubt, a fearful fool can easily obtain a gun, in a gun culture, any day in the week, and twice on Sunday. Question: America can you allow the Holy Spirit to give some sound spiritual advice? “Fear thou not: for I am with thee; yea, I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41: 10).
Allow the writer to take readers to a spiritual higher ground with sound “Biblical doctrine”, where the rubber meets the road. “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partially, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” (James 3: 16-18). It is hoped that America has not become so secular-humanistic-oriented that sound scriptural biblical doctrine cannot take root in American consciousness (psyche).
Let’s make no mistake about it; there has always been, and will probably always be, want to be controllers of the world. These so-called leaders call for the misuse and abuse of others (the stranger concept). But, thank God all of them have failed. To name a few: Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, Hitler, and Mussolini.
There will always be many individuals who live in fear of all others who are not like themselves. And, there will be those who are willing to follow demagogues, because of paranoia (fear). But, on the other hand, there will always be those of sound biblical doctrine and common-sense who will above all else fear Almighty God. The Bible profoundly reminds all of us; especially Christians to be leery of double-minded leaders: “When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.” (Proverbs 26: 25-26). The Bible gives us the perfect way for God-fearing individuals to recognize these types of “so-called” leaders, and how to respond to them: “Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool, cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.” (Proverbs 26: 4-6).
It is not what some leaders are selling, or what they want the American people to buy, but that other “want-to-be-leaders” will not vehemently reject the product (condemn divisive words). Silence is consent. Individuals can think privately anything they so desire. But, ungodly words can divide a “Nation-of-Immigrants”; especially since the only Native Americans are Native Indians. Of course, we all know, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.” (Proverbs 23: 7).
Fear can never bring “peaceful” consolation; unless it is fear of God, because “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalms 30: 5). Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14: 27). Amen!
Finally, “If there is right in the soul, there will be beauty in the person; if there is beauty in the person, there will be harmony in the home; if there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation; if there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world”. Chinese Proverb. Selah!