The biblical concept of “Fear of Man” is seen when our decisions and actions are based on what other people think of us instead of what God thinks of us. Man refers to mankind, both male and female. Fear of Man is an exhausting pursuit guided by a perceived standard that usually ends with both parties unhappy and unsatisfied. For example, Terry who bends over backwards to serve others, then explodes when this effort is not rewarded by praise. Fear in the biblical sense is a broad term that includes being afraid of someone, but also extends to being in awe of someone, being controlled or mastered by people, worshiping other people, putting your trust in people, or an inordinate need of people.[1]
Secular Psychologists have picked up on this same theme and but use the terms: Codependent, People-Pleasers, Peer-Pressure, ect. While these terms accurately define symptoms, they lack the cure. The cure to being codependent isn’t to be independent for this leads to narcissism or loneliness; and the cure to Peer-Pressure isn’t to be apathetic or aloof.
The bible teaches that the “cure” to the Fear of Man is the Fear of the Lord (Prov. 1:7). When we fear man, it is a failure to find our identity in Christ, as made in the image of God, the creator of heaven and earth. It is a failure to seek after His glory as being the chief end (goal) of man. The term Fear of the Lord is complex and includes a fear of wrath; reverence of a good and perfect Lord; the Love of the Lord; and many other biblical themes. It is a recognition that God is utmost and his Word should shape our thoughts and actions, not man.
When we fear the Lord, not man; we are freed to truly love others. Our goal is to love people more than need them.[1] God not only sees your actions, but knows the deepest desires and sins of your heart. This is both terrifying and comforting. It is terrifying because God is holy and perfect. It is comforting because he loves us, contrary to our sin. Through Christ’s sacrifice, our sins are fully forgiven and we share in Christ’s righteousness. He sees us as a loving father sees a child.
Where are you tempted to fear of man?
How can you grow in your fear of God?
[1] Welch, Ed. When People are Big and God is Small