Before you answer any question, it is probably best to ask a few of your own. A little free advice from one who often just blurts out what he thinks, sometimes before the entire question is asked, don’t! You probably know people like me. You probably find them annoying and maybe even don’t like them. Along with my “little free advice,” I will give you three insights into me. This will also be free! I find people who blurt out answers with little thought and sometimes before the question is finished, annoying too. The second free insight is, I don’t like them much either. Speaking of free, I might need some free counseling to address the fact I don’t like myself and find myself annoying.

Are there different types of fear?

That is a good question to ask when seeking to answer the title question, “Is Fear Really That Bad?” As I have said before, I’m just a blog guy but I would say no, there are not different types of fear. Causes may vary. Responses may vary. Intensity of the feelings that are initiated by fear may vary but fear is fear. Now to totally contradict myself, Merriam-Webster defines fear as: an unpleasant often strong emotion, anticipation or awareness of danger,anxious concern,profound reverence and awe especially toward God, reason for alarm.

Are there different reasons for fear?

To me this addresses the difference between my suggestion that there are not different types of fear and the Merriam-Webster definition. Everyday fear and the fear of God differ because of the character of the one who solicits the fear response. Why would I say this? Good question! Remember, it’s always good to ask questions to better understand, leading to a well-informed answer. Fear at its base is a response to power that is greater than our own. As Christians we often use scripture to define fear as something we do not have or at least should not have. Then we separate the fear of the Lord as being a different type of fear. English is a very limited language and can often cause issues when a word can take on various meanings. I can love my pet, wife, my kids, my mom, my car etc. but I do not love them the same way and yet I use the same word. This is English at it’s worst!

The word fear is English at it’s finest.

By not providing an alternative, the word “fear” forces the user, if the user actually takes the time to think about what they say, which I don’t do often enough (see ¶ one), to focus on the cause and resulting affect. Think about it. Our profound reverence and awe for God is based on His power and the fact He does pose a threat to our very existence. You may not be comfortable with this, but God can speak and you will never speak again. Is this not the same concept as, “an unpleasant often strong emotion, anticipation or awareness of danger,anxious concern?”

But what about grace and mercy?

Glad to see you asking more questions before answering the question posed at the beginning of this blog. Grace and mercy are what allow us to face our Creator knowing what He is capable of and, if we are willing to be honest with ourselves, what we deserve and still feel safe. I can have profound reverence and awe for many things and still remain afraid. We often look at these words in a positive light, but it is not offside to suggest that one can be in awe of something horrific and revere someone they do not like. People are awestruck by the damage created by storms and if they are smart, they treat the potential for a natural disaster with respect and reverence. Our fears are somewhat lessened by forces applied to the situation. God offers grace, a house offers shelter. Fear does not change but rather how we address fear changes.

So, is fear really a bad thing?

I know this won’t make a lot of Christians happy, but fear is actually something to be embraced not subdued. Fear drives us toward the outcome that best protects us from the threat. Fear is something God gave you when He created you. Fear is a gift. Fear is not a bad thing. I think this is probably another great time for a question. Are you crazy? It depends on what you mean by crazy. I can be a little off sometimes but crazy, I don’t thing so. I know what I am saying seems off compared to what is often taught but I believe if we look at fear as being basically the same thing no matter the circumstance, we can approach what makes us uncomfortable, know that the causes may vary, our responses may vary and the intensity of our feelings that are initiated by fear may vary, but fear is fear. It serves a purpose and that purpose is good.

Flight, fight or freeze.

These are typical fear responses. Run away, run towards, or stand still. Evil: run away. God: run towards. Presenting the truth of God to those confronted by fear: freeze. It is fear that causes us to protect. It is fear that causes us to pursue. It is fear that causes us to stop and wait. Fear is the driving force in everyone’s life. Those without fear will soon be without life. Christianity is not the absence of fear but rather the faith system in which fear is addressed. We cannot live our lives being afraid of fear but instead we must live our lives listening to what fear is telling us. Fear begs us to ask more questions which ultimately will drive us toward the only answer, God!

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)

Note: Living in a constant state of fear is considered a mental health issue. This blog is not intended to address disorders that cause heightened flight, fight, or freeze responses to everyday events.