"Notice that the word "fear" is bracketed alongside the difficulties with Mr.
Brown, Mrs. Jones, the employer, and the wife. This short word somehow touches
about every aspect of our lives. It was an evil and corroding thread; the fabric
of our existence was shot through with it. It set in motion trains of
circumstances which brought us misfortune we felt we didn't deserve. But did not
we, ourselves, set the ball rolling? Sometimes we think fear ought to be classed with stealing. It seems to cause more trouble." (AA, pg. 67-68)Fear is not the biggest problem. Pastor Joseph Prince of New Creation has made the case many times that the root of all our problems is condemnation.
Scripture confirms this:
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4: 18)
What is the root of fear, according to the beloved disciple? "Torment", which can be more accurately rendered "punishment", or condemnation for doing something wrong.
We can take our inventories as much as we please, but sooner or later everyone of us falls victim to the idea that we will have to pay for our sins.
God has offered a better way:
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8: 1, NIV)
Christ Jesus took the condemnation, the punishment, for all our sins, whether you know which ones or not, whether you have confessed them all or not.
No comments:
Post a Comment