The Fear Factor

The impending global crisis that I see on the horizon is being fueled by fear on all levels and in every sector of society. Fear and intimidation are tools that are becoming more prevalent among criminals in the streets, religious devotees, politicians, school administrators, nations, and even in families. Tempers are heightened and it does not seem to take much for someone to shoot and kill someone over things that seem to be trivial or insignificant. Because of fear the world is being divided by a stronger sense of ‘us’ versus ‘them.’ When fear dominates, it is easy become angry and lose self-control. Many people have been backed into a corner by their fear, causing them to lose a grip on reality and morality.

Fear can cause you to commit murder or suicide, and sometimes both. Fear can cause you to abuse others or accept the abuse of others. In our world the people who can evoke the most fear are often considered the most powerful. Even wealth is often protected by evoking fear through the threat of violence or punitive retribution against anyone who steals or even those who justly cause a shift in the balance of wealth. Greed is motivated by the fear that there will not be enough for everyone. The thirst for power is motivated by fear also. The need to control and dominate others before they can dominate us is not only the rule between nations and businesses, it is also the rule of the streets. This can only be a dog-eat-dog world for those who see themselves as dogs.

Fear not only separates us and causes us to hurt others, but it can also keep us from becoming our best in any area of life when we are paralyzed by a fear of failure, fear of death, or fear of hard work. Even the fear of success can keep us from giving our best to the world. Fear will torment you in your sleep and sneak up on you at unsuspecting times of the day. The Bible says that ‘perfect love’ will get rid of fear. This kind of love is not weak or afraid but it is strong and powerful. It is not greedy or needy. It does not destroy life but it restores life. The Bible says that “love is as strong as death.” Whether you are afraid of dying or afraid of living, in order to overcome your fears you will have to employ the discipline of facing your fears with love and courage. It takes courage to be disciplined for success. So if you want to be strong and courageous when the world is in crisis, walk through your fears, and give your best, and be the best version of yourself twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. As you become disciplined for success the atmosphere will change around you, everywhere you go, and you will have contributed greatly to helping us overcome the fear factor on this planet.