Guarantee!

Guarantee!

The fear of man bringeth a snare: But whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Proverbs 29:25 KJV

There are two statements in today's extract, and both of them are guaranteed truths. As it is with all of God's truths, He lays them down and invites me to come to him, believing that He speaks the truth. He is a God whose word can be trusted. With Him, time does not change his principles. What He called sin for Adam, is still a sin in our own days. The punishment and wages for sin then was death, and no amount of education, enlightenment, exposure or earning power can change those wages. He is a God with whom hypocrisy and pretence do not sell. Now that I know all of these things about God, what is my decision? How do I relate with this God, knowing all that He has revealed to me about Himself? 

What are these two statements? First, the fear of man is a snare. Why is this? That which you fear controls you. That which sits on the throne of your heart dictates your pursuits and priorities. Once it speaks, you leave all you do to attend to its dictates. Imagine if it is the fear of mortal man like myself that dictates my life's focus. Due to man's many inconsistencies, imagine how confused a man who fears another man will be. One day, you are asked to do this, the next, you are asked to do the opposite. Is this how best God would want me to live my life? The breath of God in me makes me unique; why would I sacrifice that for the applause or approval of men like myself? 

The second is that he who puts his trust in God is safe. This is the very opposite of the first. You cannot fear man and trust in God at the same time. I don't have the skill or expertise to combine both in the same heart. Trust in God is total, leaving no room for anything or anyone else. And like we have read, both of them have consequences. The fear of man is a trap, as you can never please everyone at the same time. With God, once I key into his will, I enjoy his peace, both down here and into eternity. What could be more precious than having both your earthly and eternal life sorted? That is the guarantee the fear of God gives. Which one rules your heart: trust in God or the fear of men? God's time of favour is here.