06-09-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
June 9, 2024
In preparation for today’s sermon, I read a number of articles on fear and intimidation. One of those articles was entitled that very thing: Fear and Intimidation by Michael Schreiner (May 30, 2017). He wrote:

“People who use fear and intimidation to get their way are usually perceived as fearless and intimidating by those who are made to cower before them, but this is hardly the case. That supposed strength belies a deep-seated, all-encompassing, barely contained fear. The fear of losing control.”

I couldn’t agree more, though sometimes it is very difficult to recognize it when we find ourselves intimidated and afraid. Along side Schreiner’s suggested reason for using fear and intimidation as fear itself—fear of losing control—I would add another option. In a lot of situations, people have come to believe that fear and intimidation are the only real options for achieving their goal. In fact, they’ve not seen any other options succeed. And sadly, we reach for what we know and what we have seen bring about the desired outcome.

But doesn’t the tactic of fear and intimidation ultimately achieve only a world that is fearful and intimidated? Our selfish goal might come to fruition in the short term, but in the end, we have given more power and credence to the very things that do not show respect for a person’s true freedom, do not provide a glimpse of love, and do not demonstrate trust in the power of grace and kindness. 1st John 4 reminds us that “perfect love casts out all fear,” and though none of us will ever achieve the perfect love of God, we strive for it nonetheless. God has called us to create a world centered on love, and such a world will only be achieved through the ways of love. Nothing else!

Gracious and Merciful God, continue to encourage within us a belief that love has been and can be the means by which true transformation occurs. Amen.