disappear automatically, nor do we rid ourselves of them by hiding our heads in the sand as the proverbial ostrich. This way we fool no one but ourselves. We read in our key verse, I John 4:18, “fear hath torment.” The word in the Greek means to writhe or to twist in anguish. This suggests mental grief and spiritual torture. If one is not a believer, he needs to see that fear does not end here on earth. If the soul’s destiny is not settled here, the impos sible torment will go on eternally. How cleverly Satan blinds people’s eyes and thoughts with the lie of sui cide. A person may feel that, because he is so filled with fear, or because his life is so miserably frustrated, he is burdened and perplexed, that the only way to be rid of these problems is to be rid of himself. Therefore, he seeks to end his life. This poor individual doesn’t realize that the only thing that’s happened is that he killed his body. His soul, however, will live on eternally. He has only consigned him self all the quicker to judgment and hell. Now, what about fear’s glorious cure? This is the result of love’s per fection in Christ. We are not talking about spiritual perfection, but rather spiritual maturity. When I was in the ninth grade studying algebra for the first time, our teacher told us at the very start of the course, “Students, don’t be foolish in wasting your time. If you do, you will only have to cram when examinations come. This won’t work. Do your lessons well and when the tests come, you’ll have nothing to fear.” Now, testing will come to all of us. It is impossible to always live on the mountain-top of experience; there are valleys of discouragement and dis appointment. The Bible assures us, however, that when love has been per fected, when it has been allowed to grow, fear will not be able to grip our souls. During World War II the Atlantic Charter was drawn up by a group of leading statesmen. One of its noble objectives stated that every man should enjoy “freedom fear.” Obvious ly that document, as well-ordered as 17
iour assures us, “Fear not, for I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” There is also the fear of losing one’s health. This is frequently cou pled with a concern that a man may lose his livelihood thereby. I think of a businessman friend of mine who will be 55 shortly. “The thing that con cerns me the most,” he confessed, “is what is going to happen in these next ten years. I don’t know whether I can hold out until Social Security.” Maybe you are thinking the same thing. In dustry, it seems, is not interested in men over 40; some of them have even dropped that limit to 35. Companies merge, automation is brought in, and men who have worked themselves up into respectable and responsible posi tions' find themselves out looking for new employment. As far as health is concerned, the older we get, the more the possibility of losing our health; this makes us- afraid. An ache around the heart, a strange fluttering, an un usual growth previously unnoticed are all certain omens of disaster. Some people are even afraid to go to the doctor, fearful that he may discover what is expected, but which disease we dare not even utter. As we face the problem of fear, we need to consider any possible remedy or cure. Our forebodings don’t just One «1 Iks popular new structural on tho Biota Campus Is the Rose ol Sharon Prayer Chapel. Pic tured at tho door are Dr. Samuel H. Sutherland, Biola president, with Stove Hlckerson, president of tho Biola Associated Student Body. Tho facility is located away from tho busy "stream" of Campus life, allowing a place whore students may enjoy a time of private meditation, prayer, and fellowship with tho Lord.
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