Neither fearful, nor foolish

Rob Streetman March 25, 2020

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In times of uncertainty and chaos, it is important and possible for all Christians to avoid worldly fearfulness and carnal foolishness. This is particularly true of the Christians whom God has positioned with authority for leadership in the workplace. People in your spheres of influence will be looking to you. 

Our prayer is that they will find you to be a house standing in the storm—a refuge of peace and sensibility. To that end, I humbly offer a few encouraging thoughts. These may not be new for you; meditate on them nevertheless, recognizing they are also for the edification of those in your spheres of influence.

First, it will help you to know that, for the Christian, chaos is normal. 

Almost every book in the New Testament promises it—2 Corinthians 3:18 is one of my favorite examples:

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

The Greek word translated as “transformed” is metamorphoo. Metamorphoo offers a perfect word picture for the process God employs to mature us as Christians. Anyone who has ever seen the inside of a cocoon knows what a mess it is for an ugly caterpillar to become a beautiful butterfly. This transformation is “by the Spirit of the Lord.” In other words, the Holy Spirit is our transformer.

As leaders, we are blessed with the opportunity to be the vessel and instrument of God for the metamorphoo of those in our spheres of influence. Our only responsibility is to choose to participate in the work God is doing. 

Second, it is particularly important in times of chaos to resist the temptation of turning to our carnal mind for advice. 

This is exactly what we have been taught for most of our lives. It is a lie and a deception. 

Every child of God has been blessed with access to heavenly wisdom. 

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” ~1 Corinthians 1:30-31

For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. ~1 Corinthians 2:16

Please don’t let your carnal mind convince you of anything else. We are being transformed by the renewing of our minds—that is, by replacing dependence on our carnal mind’s reasoning with the wisdom of God in Christ Jesus. We have the mind of Christ! Now is a great time to start using it.

Third, where we start is critically and eternally important.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever. ~Psalm 111:10

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. ~Philippians 2:13-14

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire. ~Hebrews 12:29-29

There is a fear of God foundational to our awe and reverence of Him. That fear is the Greek phobos, which means “fear, dread, and terror.” There is a fear of which we must not be afraid. The Spirit will help find it.

Lastly, it is during times like these that we are either grateful to know the voice of God or disappointed that we have not given more attention to hearing from Him.

In either case, now is a good time to spend more time with Him. In my humble opinion, our prayers must be more about hearing what God has to say about this pandemic than crying out for His help. He knows our need before we ask. We need Him to tell us what that need truly is. 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. ~Psalm 23:4

God bless you with the godly fear that overcomes the world’s fearfulness and your carnal mind’s foolishness.

Photo source: istock 

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Rob Streetman serves the body of Christ as President of two parachurch ministries: inLight Consulting (a workplace transformation ministry) and 2:2 Collective (a unity and church growth ministry). He is the author of two books: The Map Maker and A Storm is Coming. Rob’s heart desires is to encourage, edify and equip Christian leaders as disciple-makers and transformation agents—that they would become houses that stand in the storms of this life. He previously worked in various IT industry positions. Learn More »

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