Why do we often find ourselves fearing the face of man rather than trusting in God?

Paul Carrington explores this question by highlighting the danger of placing our trust in human strength over God. He references Jeremiah 17, which contrasts the cursed man who relies on human wisdom with the blessed man who trusts in the Lord. Carrington warns against the temptation to preserve our reputation or platforms, which can lead us to fear people's opinions more than God's. By prioritizing God's honor, we can avoid becoming like a shrub in the desert, missing the good that comes from God.

Fearing man is a common struggle, as Carrington notes with references like Proverbs 29, which states that the fear of man brings a snare. However, those who trust in the Lord find safety. Despite this challenge, we are called to fear God above all else, knowing that true peace comes from obeying Him. Carrington encourages believers to maintain a clean conscience, even when obedience comes with a cost, understanding that we will ultimately stand before God and give an account of our lives.

Isaiah 51:12 (NKJV): "I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die, and of the son of a man who will be made like grass?"