How to Stop the Great Commission

Is there a good reason that many Christians don’t take part in the Great Commission? Yes! It’s called the Fear of Man.

The fear of man and the fear of God are often contrasted in Scripture, and each has a different impact on how we live and make decisions.

1. The Fear of Man

The fear of man is often seen as a harmful, disabling fear driven by concern over what others think or how they might react. This fear leads to insecurity and can cause someone to act in ways that compromise their integrity or relationship with God.

Proverbs 29:25 highlights the danger of this fear:

“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”

The “snare” in this verse suggests that living in fear of others’ opinions or approval can trap a person, leading to decisions that are driven by external pressures rather than godly principles.

2. The Fear of God

In contrast, the fear of God is a reverent, awe-filled respect for God’s holiness, power, and authority. It is a positive, transformative fear that leads to wisdom, righteousness, and life. When you fear God, you value His opinion above all others and live in obedience to His commands, recognizing His ultimate sovereignty over your life.

A powerful verse illustrating this contrast is Proverbs 1:7 :

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

This verse shows that the fear of God is foundational to true wisdom and understanding. It leads to a life that aligns with God’s purposes, in contrast to the fear of man, which is often rooted in foolishness and a lack of trust in God’s sovereignty.

3. Comparison and Outcomes

• Fear of Man leads to bondage, insecurity, and a life dominated by external pressures.

• Fear of God leads to freedom, wisdom, and a life marked by spiritual health, grounded in trust and reverence for God.

The fear of God encourages a heart that seeks to please God, while the fear of man often drives someone to seek approval from others at the cost of godly obedience.

When the fear of the Lord exceeds the fear of man, believers will share the gospel. When we’re more concerned about hurting someone’s feelings, we have the fear of man, which will cause us to keep the good news of the gospel to ourselves. Who do you fear more?