Overcoming the Fear of Man: Finding Freedom in God's Approval

Lay Aside the Fear of Man: Overcoming the Tyranny of Approval Addiction

Do you often find yourself living in the fear of what others might think of you? Do you struggle with the constant need to please others and gain their approval? If so, you are not alone. Many people struggle with the fear of man, also known as approval addiction or people-pleasing. This fear can be paralyzing, leading us to compromise our values, beliefs, and even our faith in order to avoid disapproval or rejection from others.

But as Christians, we are called to live by a different standard. We are not to be conformed to the patterns of this world, but transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). We are to seek the approval of God, not man (Galatians 1:10). And we are to find our identity, worth, and security in Christ, not in the opinions of others (Ephesians 1:3-14).

The Dangers of the Fear of Man

So why is the fear of man so dangerous? First, it can lead us to compromise our convictions and values. When we are more concerned with what others think of us than what God thinks of us, we are more likely to go along with the crowd, even if it means disobeying God. We may be tempted to hide our faith, water down our beliefs, or engage in sinful behavior in order to fit in or avoid criticism.

Second, the fear of man can paralyze us from doing what is right. We may be afraid to speak up for truth or defend the weak and vulnerable, for fear of being rejected or ridiculed. We may be hesitant to share the gospel or engage in evangelism, for fear of being seen as intolerant or judgmental.

Third, the fear of man can lead us to idolize human approval, making it an ultimate goal in our lives. When we are more concerned with what others think of us than what God thinks of us, we can become enslaved to their opinions and desires. We may sacrifice our time, money, and energy to gain their approval, neglecting our relationship with God and our responsibilities to others.

The Roots of the Fear of Man

Where does the fear of man come from? In many cases, it is rooted in a deep desire for acceptance and belonging. We all long to be loved and valued, and it is natural to seek these things from others. However, when our need for acceptance becomes an obsession, it can lead to the fear of rejection and disapproval.

Another root of the fear of man is pride. When we are more concerned with our reputation and image than with the truth and righteousness, we are allowing pride to control us. We may be afraid of looking foolish, weak, or unpopular, and this fear can override our commitment to God and his ways.

Finally, the fear of man can be fueled by the lies of the enemy. Satan is a master deceiver, and he loves to use our insecurities and vulnerabilities against us. He may whisper lies like, “You’re not good enough,” “You’ll never fit in,” or “No one cares about you.” These lies can create a stronghold of fear and doubt in our minds, making it difficult to trust God and walk in faith.

Overcoming the Fear of Man

So how do we overcome the fear of man? The answer lies in trusting God and seeking his approval above all else. Here are some practical steps we can take:

1. Recognize the Fear

The first step to overcoming the fear of man is to acknowledge its presence in our lives. We need to be honest with ourselves and with God about our struggles with approval addiction. We can pray, “Lord, I confess that I have been living in the fear of man, seeking approval from others instead of you. Please forgive me and help me to trust you more.”

2. Renew Your Mind

We need to renew our minds with the truth of God’s word. We can meditate on verses like:

• “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25).


• “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).


• “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).

As we fill our minds with the truth of God’s word, we will begin to see ourselves and others through his eyes. We will realize that our worth and identity are found in Christ, not in the opinions of others. We will be empowered to live for his glory, not our own.

3. Seek Accountability

We need to surround ourselves with godly friends who can hold us accountable and encourage us in our faith. We can share our struggles with the fear of man and ask for prayer and support. We can also seek out mentors or counselors who can help us work through deeper issues of identity, self-worth, and trust.

4. Take Action

We need to take action in areas where the fear of man has been holding us back. This may mean speaking up for truth in a difficult conversation, sharing the gospel with a coworker, or making a stand for righteousness in a culture that opposes it. As we step out in faith, we will experience the freedom and joy of living for God’s approval, not man’s.

5. Rest in God’s Love

Finally, we need to rest in God’s love and grace. We need to remember that he loves us unconditionally, and that nothing can separate us from his love (Romans 8:38-39). We need to trust that he is working all things together for our good, even when we face rejection or criticism from others (Romans 8:28).

Conclusion

The fear of man is a powerful stronghold that can keep us from living the abundant life that God has for us. But we do not have to be enslaved to this fear. We can overcome it by trusting in God’s love and seeking his approval above all else. As we do, we will experience the freedom and joy of living for his glory, not our own.