August 10 – Fear of Man vs. Fear of God
When we fear God rightly, we fear nothing else. Richard Rohr
Gregg’s Reflection
The older I get, the more I see how much of life is shaped by what or whom we fear. The fear of man can look like people-pleasing, anxiety about reputation, or reluctance to stand apart from the crowd. It binds us in subtle ways, chaining our choices to the shifting expectations of others.
The fear of God, by contrast, does not enslave but liberates. In Scripture and Christian theology, “fear of God” does not mean being afraid of God in the sense of terror, panic, or dread. Instead, it refers to an attitude of awe, reverence, humility, and obedient love toward God.
To hold God in awe is to remember who we are — beloved creatures, not defined by human opinion but by divine love. This holy reverence steadies us, anchoring us in something eternal.
When my eyes are fixed on God’s presence, the voices around me lose their power to dominate. I can act with integrity, speak the truth in love, and rest in the knowledge that God’s approval is the only approval that matters.
Scripture
The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
Proverbs 29:25
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1
Ancient Quotes
The fear of God is not dread but wonder — the awareness that nothing else deserves our ultimate loyalty.
Abba Isaac the Syrian, Ascetical Homilies, III.7
Modern Quotes
When we fear God rightly, we fear nothing else.
Richard Rohr, Immortal Diamond, p. 172
Journaling Prompts
- Where do you notice the fear of human opinion shaping your choices?
- How does reverence for God’s presence shift your perspective?
- Recall a time when trusting God gave you courage to go against the crowd. What did you learn?
- What would freedom from the “fear of man” look like in your life right now?
Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 32 Reflection: People-Pleasing