.....assurance

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love 1 John 4:18

Airman Jones was assigned to the military induction center where he was responsible for advising new recruits about their GI insurance. His captain soon noticed that Jones had an almost 100% success rate in selling policies — unheard of! Curious, the captain sat in on one of his briefings.

After explaining the basic benefits of the GI policy, Jones concluded his presentation with this:

“If you die in battle with GI insurance, your family gets $200,000. If you don’t have it, they get $6,000. Now — who do you think the government is going to send into battle first?” As a result, nearly everyone signed up! But why? It wasn’t out of loyalty, duty, or honor — it was out of fear. A desperate instinct to protect themselves. A desire to stay off the front lines.

Spiritually, we often do the same. We may go to church, read our Bibles, or serve in ministries — not because of our deep love for God, but because we’re afraid. Afraid of punishment. Afraid of guilt. Afraid of what might happen if we don’t. Outwardly, we look like devoted followers, but our motives are rooted in self-preservation, not love.

But God sees beyond our behavior. He knows why we do what we do. And according to 1 John 4:18, love — not fear — is meant to be the motivation for our service. Fear-based faith is incomplete. God doesn’t want a relationship that’s held together by fear of punishment. He wants one that’s rooted in love.

Fear makes us self-focused. Love makes us Christ-focused. Fear makes us constantly ask, “Have I done enough?” Love reminds us, “Jesus already did enough.” Fear tries to earn God’s approval. Love responds joyfully to God’s grace. Take a moment to examine your heart. Are you serving God out of fear — or out of love? Are you trying to protect yourself — or offering your life to the One who gave his life for you?

- alan smith

Father, I don’t want fear to drive my faith. I want to follow you because I love you, not because I’m worried about what might happen if I don’t. Shape my heart so that my service comes from gratitude and love. In Jesus’ name, amen.