Read Romans 12:2

“Be careful little eyes what you see.”

(Slow Fade, Casting Crowns)

We can walk in faith or we can walk in fear. At a Promise Keepers Conference in Boulder, Colorado with 50,000 men in attendance, a speaker issued a challenge to men and family leaders to quit watching R-rated movies. He said it can help your walk in faith and start to prevent fear.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world.” This world refers to evil and corruption. Fear is promoted.  If we avoid viewing things that generate fear, then we can start to prevent paralyzing fear. The pattern of this world is to put anything into our mind, not just the noble and pure. We can be selective in what we watch and put into our minds. A key question is: Does it help my spiritual growth as a Christian?

Before an R-rated movie, the following can be seen on the screen: pervasive graphic violence, nudity, drug abuse, sexuality, profanity, other adult themes. An R rating as well as PG-13 represents a strong warning toward parents to investigate the content of a movie more thoroughly before they take their children to see it. How do these movies affect adult minds?

“Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”

To be transformed is a process of change. Our habits are a key. What are your eyes putting into your mind?

“Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” – Romans 12:2 NLT

One way for overcoming paralyzing fear may be a true love of God. A child who is fearful loses his fear when he has his mother’s arms wrapped around him. We can fall asleep if we are surrounded by those who love us. And when a person loves and has faith in God, he does not need to be a servant to superstition and fear.

As long as the Apostle Peter kept looking to Jesus (when he was walking on the water), he was able to stay above the water. As long as he was more conscious of the presence of the Lord than he was of the storm and the waves around him, he stayed on top. But when he stopped looking to the Lord, he began to sink. (see Matt 14:29-30).

Healthy fear of God can motivate action. Unhealthy fear can create paralysis. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT

If we can Identify what leads to unhealthy fear, then some fear can be prevented. Keep your eyes on Jesus!

Tom Weckesser