Of Fears and Fairytales
One of the Grimm's Fairy Tales, The Story of the Youth Who Went Forth to Learn What Fear Was, tells the story of a rather foolish young man who did not know the meaning of trembling in fear. He’s often referred to simply as the Fearless Youth.
His adventures include spending nights in haunted places, encountering ghosts, corpses, and supernatural trials — all without flinching or shuddering in the least. People tried to frighten him by placing him in various terrifying situations, but all in vain. Finally, the young man did feel a shiver—but not from fear. He trembled when someone poured a bucket of cold water, complete with flopping fish, over him while he was sleeping.
The Fearless Youth pursued fear, longing to experience it. But God doesn't want us to run toward fear; neither does He want us to deny it.
There is something wrong with us if we never feel fear. Fear is a natural human reaction to all kinds of difficulties or dangers, and God does not condemn it. He just wants us to have a spiritually healthy response to it.
Jesus repeatedly said to His disciples, "Do not be afraid" (Luke 5:10; 12:4; John 6:20). Every time He said it, Jesus used a verb form that implies continuity. In other words, Jesus was saying to them, "Do not go on being afraid."
We must not let ourselves be conquered by our fears. We also must not refuse to do what God desires just because we feel afraid. God can transform our fear into strength. We can trust Him and become "unafraid" (Psalm 56:11).
Courage, afterall, is not the absence of fear, but the mastery of it.
So, let us fight our fears and face them with faith in the Lord, for He has said: "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5)
The Risks of Being a Spectator
Anyone can participate in sports, even the weakest among us. However, it seems only the "strongest" can endure being a spectator. According to a heart specialist, when you choose to be a spectator rather than a participant in sports, certain things increase and others decrease—and all of it is bad. Weight, blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels all increase. Conversely, vitality, oxygen consumption, flexibility, stamina, and physical strength all decrease.
Being a spectator in the arena of the Christian life is equally risky. There are likewise things that increase and decrease, and the results are just as poor. Criticism, discouragement, disappointment, and boredom tend to increase. On the other hand, sensitivity toward sin and the needs of others, as well as the ability to receive the Word of God, decrease.
Of course, there are moments when we feel joy or are moved while listening to someone’s testimony about God's extraordinary work in their life. However, that does not compare to experiencing that joy firsthand. Nothing can replace the moments when you experience your own journey of faith and use the talents God has given you for the benefit of others.
If we want to become mature and grow stronger as followers of Jesus Christ, we must be brave enough to put our faith into action, even if it feels risky. But remember, the risk is far greater if we choose to remain only as spectators. Spiritual growth requires participation, not just observation.
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22, ESV).
1 Corinthians 9:24, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize (NIV).
The Ultimate Easter Centerpiece
The king of bulk stores, COSTCO, is selling an Easter treat that really has the internet buzzing ... a TEN POUND chocolate bunny centerpiece.
FoxNews reports:
"The semi-solid bunny is made with milk chocolate, white chocolate and dark chocolate, according to the packaging, and contains 151 servings."
"It's a seasonal sweet priced at $112.97 online and up to $140 in some stores, depending on location — and it comes with instructions to smash it apart using a hammer, mallet or rolling pin."
Can you imaagine? A ten pound chocolate Easter bunny that requires a mallet or hammer to smash it. Facebook, X, and Instagram were all hoppin' (yes, pun intended!) with comments.
Some found the price exhobatant. Others found the shear excess of it almost obscene. But at least one commentor found that, "It honestly looks like the ultimate Easter statement piece,"
Funny how the world would like us to forget that "the ultimate Easter statement piece" isn't a giant chocolate bunny, but a rugged and bloodied cross and an empty tomb.
And you can't buy it, at any price. The true statement piece of Easter can adorn your heart and life free for the asking ...
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23, ESV).
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8, ESV).