Froth Fright

When working with youth, 13-17, a safe environment is so very important. It is hard to teach good habits, routines, behavior, and social acceptability in an atmosphere of chaos. Our society seems to be very adept at building up fear in others so that we can make our own selfish point. A good way to recognize the “froth” of life, is to think of food, drink, and secondary sourcing. Whip cream and sprinkles are not the final say in whether you have tasted a great cup of hot chocolate. Méringue is not the final say on the taste of a lemon méringue pie. Gossip is not a good source for truth. Poll results are not a final say of accuracy. The Bible does not practice fearmongering, instead, it points to the one who takes away all fear, Jesus Christ. The Bible encourages us to focus on Jesus Christ the righteous one. The one who conquered sin and death. 

Fearmongering and scaremongering are not words used in scripture a lot. This is the action of deliberately arousing public fear or alarm about an issue. Often, it is our imagination running away with a “worst-case scenario.” In Mark 10:32, we see a description of people fearing by not listening to Jesus and listening to their imaginations. “They were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking on ahead of them, and they were amazed, and those who followed were fearful. And again, He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him,” I am so glad that Jesus Christ chose to share Himself so that we do not have to fear. Some of the disciples fell out, because of fear.

So back to youth. If you believe that the way to change behavior, is to scare or make someone afraid, then you must not have a very confident grasp of truth. I have seen fearmongering in the best of intentions, saints, and social workers. The following verse is excellent to remember in the hubbub of October frights. Jesus said in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”

As we seek to change the world with God’s power, let us share the peace of Jesus Christ. He faced what we fear, sinister sin and death. He conquered so that we do not have to fear. Knowing Jesus Christ helps us introduce a peace that passes all our understanding to those who choose to accept Him as personal Savior and love Him for eternity.