I grew up incredibly insecure. I was sure that I would never be chosen for the “team”. I knew that there would never be a girl in the world that would or could possibly like much less fall in love with me. I would never get a job. “Never” and “very unlikely” were words that I held close to my heart. It was as if these were the two things that I knew I could count on to come true. No facts, experience, or assurances from my parents or friends persuaded my heart; what I knew I knew.
Looking around I find that others don’t, or at least rarely, talk about it, but their behavior tells a different story! Exploitation of those who are not able to defend themselves is a classic sign, especially children or close family members. If this isn’t enough evidence, go to a place where the extremes of society mix and mingle, India for example. There are those who walk with bravado, yet everyone recognizes the bluff except the one in the shoes. Others will not look you in the eye, almost as if the very act of eye contact will reveal the fear within. And then there is the rare individual who realizes that we are all “equal” as human beings, no matter what our economic status, educational level, and position of power (or lack of any of the above).
If the traditional “stuff” of life isn’t enough to plague even the strongest, we all grabble with our relationship with Divinity. What will it take to have life beyond the present? Do we dare believe there is something? How do we handle the fact that “anyone whose name was not found inscribed in the Book of Life was hurled into Lake Fire”? (Revelation 20.15)
Given our fears, Evil perpetuates a myth we must fight! You, every human being on this earth, and my self are God’s “kids” unless we opt out. Those who do will lose. Until then, nobody, no power, and certainly no “fear” can change our standing with God.
