We are seeing a huge national debate which is revealing how fractured we are as a nation. A nation divided against itself cannot stand. One of the most common debates I see all over the news is about the use or avoidance of masks and face shields. I am not hear to validate the science or the social behavior factors that affect this nor whether they are effective or not in combatting the COVID-19 virus. Rather I want to address the underlying motivators for how we behave at this crucial hour. Faith, Caution, Fear. I believe that you can walk in Faith and Caution. But you cannot operate in Faith and Fear. Many say, I operate in faith and not in fear. And others say they operate in Caution and not in Fear. Today I want to candidly talk about what the Bible says about Caution, which is part of Wisdom, and about Fear. This has become a source of contention and I want to give you some diagnostic tests to see whether you operate in Caution or Fear.

Let's first define Fear.

Fear Defined (from KJV Bible Dictionary):

a) expectation of evil or the apprehension of impending danger

b) dread, terror, fright

c) passion of our nature which excites to provide for our security

d) worship and reverence of God

Here are 3 diagnostic questions to help you decide if you are operating in Caution (Godly wisdom) or Fear.

1. Do I fear anything more than the Lord?
Proverbs 14:16
Proverbs 10:27

-We put God's opinion above any other and we trust in God's attributes.
-To fear the Lord is to revere him and understand that ultimately He has control of your life.
-If you are doing what you are supposed to, and believe me no one here is perfect, God will preserve you because you are the only one on earth who can fulfill the specific mission he created you for.

2. Have I lost sight of my (His) mission?
Psalms 56:4
Deuteronomy 31:7-8

-When you lose sight of the call of God, the destiny, purpose, design in your life, you begin to wander and you become easy prey to the enemy.
-YThe US Army has a mission which has inherent risks. Risks cannot be completely avoided but they can be minimized. In order to maintain readiness, even training must be as realistic as possible while lowering the risk of loss of life or equipment.
-Joshua had a mission which had risks and brought fear but God reassured him multiple times through different ways by saying "Do not be afraid" and "be strong and courageous." Joshua fulfilled his mission but there were battles and even losses.
-What is your mission? Are you fulfilling it?

3. Have I been made perfect in His love?
1 John 4:18
Romans 8:15

-If you feel perfectly loved, you can implement caution and see it as a boundary God has given you to stay safe.
-But when you are unsure of God’s intentions for you, if you live in fear and anxiety.
-As a child of God, God takes it personal. Nothing can separate you from Him.
-Fear should only be momentary when a risk is encountered, which often times is perceived and not real at all. You take it to God and let Him reassure you with His Word and His voice.