Faith vs. Fear

 "What is faith, if not fear's greatest adversary?"

Recently, a Christian influencer posted that they had been re-baptized after changing their beliefs "from fear to faith". When asked the reasoning, they simply stated that when they were baptized as a child it was out of a heart of fear. Now, they have been baptized out of a heart of faith.

I don't come here to bash on this action, or call it unscriptural or sin. I believe we should all follow the Holy Spirit's leading in our lives. If this influencer's platform is encouraging Christians to walk in faith instead of fear, may God direct their paths. But I have an argument to that line of thinking.

I recently wrote a letter to a dear friend facing a tough time. In it was a line I wasn't quite sure of including: "Courage is required - but only in the face of fear."

I pined over this line for days, wondering if it held the truth I originally thought. This morning, the Lord saw fit to enlighten my understanding as I read Hebrews 11 (which, if you know me, is not an easy feat - I don't have the attention span for Paul's run-on sentences in this particular letter). I came to verse 7, which spoke of Noah:
"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith."

From this verse, I'd beg to say God very clearly points out that faith and fear are opposing, yes, but ultimately cohabiting forces. Faith cannot exist without fear, and vice versa. If we have no faith in God's truth, there is no reason to fear. If we have no fear, there is no reason for faith. Noah was not moved by faith in his actions of obedience. He was moved by fear.

Fear for his family.

Fear for the world.

Fear for his own life.

The truth, or "meaningfulness", of our obedience is not dictated by the reasons behind that obedience. Noah was moved to action by fear of the consequences, but the Bible still says he was a man of faith. God was not any less pleased with Noah's obedience because it was done out of fear. In fact, God said Noah had faith. He had faith in the face of fear.

I was saved at the age of six. At six years old, I had no understanding of the breadth, width, and depth of God's love, mercy, and grace towards me. I heard a message preached on Hell, I didn't want to go there, so I asked Jesus to save me. My turning and running to Him was not solely based on faith. I had faith that the Bible was true, and fear of Hell. So I ran to Him.

Don't overcomplicate the Christian life. We are not meant to be free of fear, but rather our fear should be of God and of the consequences of our sin and disobedience. Fear is healthy, when it has the right object. Faith is healthy, when it has the right object. Both are necessary.