Last post, we looked at the Apostle Peter's fear of disapproval from the crowd and as a result, he followed the continued to follow Jesus but at a distance (literally). All of us to some extend are influence by our need of approval. It may be a boss, our peers, a congregation, or a spouse. The problems comes when we put approval of others before God's approval. Proverbs 29:25 How can we overcome the fear of disapproval?
- Replace Our Fear of Others with God's approval of us. Peter had initially failed Jesus by his denial. But Peter found out that the only thing stronger than the fear of man's disapproval is the approval of God.Romans 8:31
- Replace Our Fear of Others with love for God. No one can fear man if he gives all his love to Jesus.
- Replace Our Fear of Others with love for others. How many times have we failed to share Christ with someone because we were afraid of rejection? We cannot truly love others if all our energy is directed to protecting ourselves.
- Replace Our Fear of Others with Faith in Him. Jesus told us that "In this world you will have trouble..." But He does not leave us to suffer tribulation alone: " But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
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