Introduction

In today’s world, fear is a powerful tool often wielded by politicians and elected officials to manipulate and control. However, the Bible instructs believers to fear God rather than man. Understanding the difference between godly fear and human-induced fear is crucial for those who seek to live righteously. This article will explore why God desires our fear and reverence, how politicians exploit fear, and the consequences they will face according to Scripture.

1. The Biblical Command to Fear God, Not Man

The Bible repeatedly instructs believers to place their fear in God alone. Fear in this context is not terror but profound reverence, respect, and awe for His power, justice, and holiness.

Why Fear God?

Godly fear is foundational to wisdom and righteousness:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10, KJV)

Fearing God means acknowledging His sovereignty and obeying His commandments. It fosters humility and encourages moral living, knowing that He is the ultimate judge of our actions.

Do Not Fear Man

In contrast, fearing man leads to spiritual compromise and sin. Jesus warned against prioritizing human approval or being intimidated by human threats:

“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28, KJV)

This verse underscores that human power is limited to the physical realm, while God’s power encompasses both the physical and the eternal. Those who fear man may compromise their faith to escape temporary pain or persecution, thereby risking their eternal soul.

2. Why Politicians and Elected Officials Use Fear

Fear is a potent tool in the political realm, used to manipulate public opinion, secure votes, and maintain control. The Bible warns against leaders who incite fear rather than leading with righteousness:

“Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed.” (Isaiah 10:1, KJV)

How Do Politicians Exploit Fear?

1. Instilling Division: By highlighting perceived threats from other groups, politicians create an “us versus them” mentality.
2. Creating Crises: Exaggerating or fabricating dangers to rally support or justify harsh measures.
3. Maintaining Power: By convincing people that only they can provide safety, leaders ensure loyalty.

Such tactics manipulate emotions, distracting the public from logical reasoning or moral considerations. Instead of encouraging a fear of God, which leads to righteousness, they provoke fear of human systems and threats.

Biblical Example: King Saul’s Fear

King Saul, fearing the people more than God, made a grave mistake by offering a burnt offering without Samuel:

“And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God.” (1 Samuel 13:13, KJV)

Saul’s fear of losing the people’s support led him to disobey God, ultimately costing him his kingdom. Modern leaders who use fear to maintain power mirror Saul’s error, prioritizing personal authority over divine guidance.

3. The Consequences for Leaders Who Use Fear Unrighteously

The Bible sternly warns of the consequences awaiting leaders who manipulate others through fear:

“For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” (Isaiah 9:16, KJV)

God’s Judgment on Corrupt Leaders

God holds leaders accountable for leading people astray. Those who exploit fear to manipulate or oppress will face divine judgment:

“Woe to the shepherds that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?” (Ezekiel 34:2, KJV)

Leaders who serve their own interests rather than guiding people in righteousness are condemned. Their punishment is described vividly in Scripture:

“Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand.” (Ezekiel 34:10, KJV)

Jesus Condemns Fear-Mongering

Jesus sharply rebuked the Pharisees and other leaders who burdened the people with fear-driven traditions and legalism:

“But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men.” (Matthew 23:13, KJV)

Such leaders, driven by pride and fear of losing their influence, placed heavy burdens on the people rather than leading them to God’s grace.

4. The Reward for Those Who Fear God Alone

God promises protection and blessings for those who fear Him rather than man.

“The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” (Psalm 34:7, KJV)

When believers focus on fearing God, they gain spiritual security, knowing that His power far outweighs human threats. This confidence enables them to speak the truth boldly, even in the face of persecution:

“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” (Psalm 118:6, KJV)

Eternal Security

Unlike human protection, which is temporary, God’s safeguard for the righteous is eternal. Those who choose godly fear over human fear inherit life, while those who succumb to man-made fear risk eternal separation from God.

5. Practical Steps to Fear God, Not Man

• Meditate on Scripture: Regular reading of passages about God’s sovereignty strengthens faith.
• Pray for Wisdom: Seek God’s guidance to discern between godly fear and human-induced fear.
• Trust in God’s Plan: Remember that no human authority surpasses God’s will.
• Stay Spiritually Anchored: Engage with a faith community that emphasizes reverence for God rather than fear of worldly powers.
• Speak Truth Boldly: With a heart focused on God, fear of reprisal diminishes.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7, KJV)

6. Real-Life Example: Daniel’s Unwavering Fear of God

When faced with the decree to cease praying, Daniel continued to pray openly, fearing God more than King Darius (Daniel 6:10). His faithfulness, despite human threats, led not only to his miraculous preservation in the lion’s den but also to the king recognizing God’s power. This story highlights that godly fear triumphs over human intimidation.

Conclusion

God commands believers to fear Him alone because it fosters wisdom, faithfulness, and moral courage. In contrast, fearing man leads to compromise and sin. Politicians and elected officials often exploit fear to control the masses, but such manipulation is condemned in Scripture. God promises to hold corrupt leaders accountable while rewarding those who place their fear solely in Him.

As believers, we must cultivate a fear of God that surpasses human intimidation, trusting that His eternal authority outweighs any temporal power. By doing so, we not only honor God but also gain the courage to live righteously amid a fear-driven world.

“Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:31, KJV)

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