Our Deepest Fear
Marianne Williamson wrote a poem entitled, "Our Deepest Fear". It received acclaim when used in the movie Coach Carter. When I first read this poem, I was encouraged. Without intent by Ms. Williamson, it speaks to my heart as a Christian. There is much to be said in how we are to live our lives as Christian men and women in our society which has turned its back on God. Think about these words and how they apply to you:
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure...“
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7 ESV)
"It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world…"
“But when anything is exposed and reproved by the light, it is made visible and clear; and where everything is visible and clear there is light.” (Ephesians 5:13 AMP)
"There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same…"
“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6 NKJV)
"As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36 ESV)
We, as Christians, are to take on the qualities and characteristics of Jesus Christ. It is His Spirit that lives in us and wants to flow through us. We are to affect those around us in a spirit of love. There is no need to be afraid of what this world may think of you. There is no need to worry about how you are perceived or what others may think of you. Only in the sense that you are being used by the Lord to further His kingdom here on earth. God has given you the power to overcome all obstacles that may try to keep you from speaking the truth in to the lives of those around you.
I love what she says about how we are meant to shine "as children do". It makes me think of my own children. My girls love to dance, sing, and put on performances. What makes these moments so wonderful, is that they have absolutely no training in dance or song. They get out there and perform as if they are on stage in front of thousands, loving every moment of their performance. The smiles on their faces proves how much they love what they do, regardless of how uncoordinated they may be :) Be this type of Christian to the world around you. Love who you are in Christ, and be willing to share that love with those around you no matter what. You never know, you may instill a love for God in someone just by the way you act. Give it a try. See what happens.
"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." (2 Timothy 1:6-10)
