By Larry Rosenbaum
“The slothful man says, `There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets'” Prov. 22:13. One of the main reasons Christians give for not witnessing is fear. Evangelists and missionaries often speak in churches about their “war stories.” They might tell how they were surrounded by an angry mob, beaten up, or thrown in jail. This certainly does not make Christians want to get involved in evangelism or missionary work. I have my own war stories of being surrounded by angry mobs and put in jail for preaching, but the thing that most impresses me is the way God has protected me and others who have been involved in evangelism. During these times of persecution, God gave me an abundance of grace. But those who hear our stories don’t have that grace, and may become afraid.
Over the past 28 years, thousands of Christians have been involved in this ministry, yet not one has been hurt in any significant way. Of course, there is no guarantee that we will not be hurt or eeven martyred for preaching the gospel. This has happened to many godly men and women throughout church history. And all of us face danger every day, simply walking down the street. Many years ago, I was mugged walking down a “safe” street in the middle of the afternoon, and needed several stitches in my head. Life is filled with danger, and I can think of no better way to die than while preaching the gospel.
“But the fearful and unbelieving…shall have their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone” Rev. 21:8. Each of us has a choice either to fear God or to fear man. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” Prov. 9:10. Some say that we are not to fear God, but rather to have reverence or respect for God. However, the Hebrew word “yirah” is stronger, meaning “to fear from an apprehension of danger and a sense of our own weakness, joined therefore with trembling” (Wilson). I fear God because I know His power is great and that He will chasten me if I sin (see Hebrews 12). This fear deters me from sinning when I am tempted. “By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil” Prov. 16:6. So the fear of the Lord is healthy, and causes us to turn from evil.
If we fear God, we will not fear men. If we do not fear God, we will fear men. “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoso puts his trust in the Lord shall be safe” Prov. 29:25. The greatest fear that we experience in witnessing is that people will reject us or make fun of us, not that they will do us physical harm. “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” 2 Corin. 5:11. Because he feared God, the apostle Paul overcame his fear of man and persuaded men to come to Christ.
Some say that we are to love God, not fear Him. But God’s Word says we are to both love and fear Him. Some say that we should not talk about Hell, judgment, or fearing God. We are told instead to speak only about good things ‑‑ the peace, joy, health and prosperity He gives us. But Christians who do not fear God often find themselves dabbling in various sins. They become slothful about spiritual disciplines. They neglect prayer and Bible study and seek comfort from the things of the world. Their marriages often end in divorce and their children often turn from God. They fear man and will not witness. The slothful man says, “There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.”
