Some Fear Facilitates Better Decisions

Acts 5:13-14
(13) No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. (14) Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.

Some fear refers to a measure of fear. Some fear refers to controlled fear that has not overwhelmed the one who is afraid. Some fear suggests that the person has courage and fear at the same time. Some fear facilitates better decisions.

Acts chapter five tells us that Ananias and Sapphira died for lying to the church about their offerings. This news spread and the people were afraid, Acts 5:11. Those who would have made rush decisions and pledged money they can’t afford to give the church, were now slowed down by fear. All who made pledges had to think twice. All who dealt with the church and its leaders had to think twice. Some fear facilitates better decisions.

After the incident of Ananias and Sapphira, the Apostles went out preaching and performing miracles. The miracles were not entertaining magic works but unique occurrences that could only be attributed to God, Acts 5:12. The members of the public were astonished at the power that could cause such miracles to happen. It was clear to the public that God was in this movement. It was clear to the public that this is the true community of God’s people. But did the miracles cause them to rush into joining the church?

Acts 5:13 tells us that the members of the public had fear of joining the church. They were afraid they did not qualify to be part of the church. They doubted if they would be accepted into the church. They were afraid because of their sins and weaknesses. Some fear facilitates better decisions.

Nevertheless, Acts 5:14 tells us that many members of the public joined the church. There was reluctance, and then they joined the church. The hesitance is because of some fear. They had some fear that this is not a light decision you can make and undo as you wish. They had some fear because they were not acting on euphoria. They had some fear that led them to examine themselves before choosing to identify with the church. Some fear facilitates better decisions.

Because they had some fear they thought through before joining the church. Because they had some fear they made sure they were clear about the implication of their choices before joining the church. Because they had some fear they interrogated and knew that this decision to join the church will affect their dress, their eating their drinking, and every aspect of life. Because they had some fear they did their homework on what was expected and eventually made up their minds to join the church. Because they had some fear, they couldn’t join the church while still having allegiance to their former faiths, religions, and gods. Some fear facilitates better decisions.

Luke 15:18-20
(18) I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. (19) I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ (20) So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

The prodigal son sinned against the father. He disrespected the father by asking for an inheritance when it wasn’t due. He disrespected the father by squandering the inheritance. When he realized his mistake, he was afraid, he had some fear of going back home. He was afraid that he would not be accepted as a son. Because he had some fear, he thought about what it would imply to return home. Because he had some fear, he accepted the lowest rank of being a servant at home. Yet some fear did not deter him from going home, it only helped him to see his mistake and accept whatever his father will ask of him. Some fear facilitates better decisions.

The older brother of the prodigal son had no fear of the father. He did not have some fear. He, therefore, disrespected the father by refusing to join the party the father organized for his brother. If he had some fear, he would probably make better decisions. Some fear facilitates better decisions!

Is it possible we lack some fear among those joining the church today, and that is why we all seem compromised? Do we lack some fear that is why we criticize the church and its leaders casually and just for fun? Do we lack some fear that is why we do not mind having worldly standards in the church? Do we have a poor quality of church members in terms of commitment, because they lack some fear?

If we had some fear we would not exploit the poor and steal from sacred institutions. If we had some fear we would log into social media while in worship. If we had some fear we would be conscious that God is involved in all relationships and we would not abuse each other and take advantage of each other. If we had some fear some divorces and breakups would not have taken place. If we had some fear we would not have extra-marital and pre-marital affairs. If we had some fear we would not abandon the children we have fathered. If we had some fear we would not use children to get excess funds from their fathers who are no longer in a relationship with the mothers. If we had some fear we would not let parents who helped us succeed languish in want, yet we have resources.

If we had some fear, our decisions would probably be well thought out in church, at home, in school, and at the workplace. Dear God help us to have some holy fear that would help shape us to have better decisions, in Jesus’ name, Amen!

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