Fear

To quote Robert California from the hit TV show The Office, “Fear plays an interesting role in our lives. How dare we let it motivate us. How dare we let it into our decision making, into our livelihoods, into our relationships."

I know that I want to be the kind of person who is encouraging. I want to be the kind of person that people want on their team. Thankfully, through Christ, I can be that person.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. ¹⁷ This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. ¹⁸ There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 16-18

I don't have to tell you that the news is usually pretty negative. A lot of people are looking at the world and fearing all sorts of economic and societal collapse. There are people who believe these are the end times. I see some Christians praying for things or against things out of fear.

This is so wrong. I refuse to live this way. I won't perpetuate fear. Some people are "realistic". But the only thing that comes out of their mouth is negativity. I have no time for this in my life.

I am reminded of the story of Israel trying to get into the promised land. They sent some scouts to survey the land. They came back and told everyone that there were giants living in the land and that if Israel attacked them they would lose. Two of the scouts had a different opinion.

Caleb interrupted, called for silence before Moses and said, "Let's go up and take the land—now. We can do it." Numbers 13:30

This world is unstable. Yea, it is. That is why God hasn't given you a spirit of fear. He has given you His son, who embodies perfect love. What do you think they people in your life need when they doubt themselves. They need you to come in and tell them, "we can do this!" In the little situations that seem big and the impossible situations that are actually small, God gives you the ability to overcome.

No Limits

I want to fully understand how far Jesus went for me. I understand that He went to the cross for me but I often forget where He came from. There is a parable Jesus told that gives me a clue.

⁴⁴ “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
⁴⁵ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. ⁴⁶ When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

Yes, Jesus purchased everything for us on the cross but He also first left everything in heaven for us. Philippians 2 tells us that He had equal status with God but set it aside and became like a slave. He then died a selfless death. We know that while were still sinners, Christ died for us. Not only that but while we were still sinners, He set aside His glorious life to be made like us. I know what it's like to be human. I wouldn't trade being a God for it.

Since He left all of this behind, don't you think He would make sure that He purchased everything for us? Don't you think He would go all the way? (Complete forgiveness and healing)
The parable says that He found a treasure. But He didn't just buy the treasure, He bought the whole field! What does this mean? Jesus has gone above and beyond what anyone else would have done for you. He left it all for you. So don't think he wants anything but the best for you.