Spending time with Dr. Christina

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Come and join the discussion concerning the Amazon organization, and experience as an Amazonian.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Come and join the discussion concerning the Amazon organization, and experiences as an Amazonian.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Come and join the discussion about the Amazon organization, and being an Amazonian.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Come and join the discussion concerning the Amazon organization, and experiences as an Amazonian.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Fear God, Not Man: Why Christians Should Never Fear Man

“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.” — Proverbs 29:25 (KJV)

One of the greatest battles Christians face is the fear of what other people think, say, or may do to us. We can fear rejection, criticism, persecution, embarrassment, losing relationships, losing opportunities, or standing alone.

But Scripture repeatedly teaches us that God's people are not to live controlled by the fear of man.

The Christian's confidence is not found in the approval of people. It is found in the sovereignty, presence, power, and promises of God.

1. The Fear of Man Is a Trap

Proverbs 29:25 says:

“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.”

A snare is a trap. Fear of people can quietly control our decisions until we begin living for their approval rather than God's approval.

Fear of man may cause us to:

• Stay silent when we should speak.
• Compromise biblical convictions.
• Hide our faith.
• Go along with sin because everyone else is doing it.
• Refuse to correct someone because we fear their reaction.
• Seek acceptance more than obedience.
• Change our behavior depending on who is watching.
• Worry excessively about criticism or rejection.

The danger is that fear of man can become a form of misplaced worship. Instead of asking, “What does God want?”, we begin asking, “What will people think?”

Reflection

Whose opinion has the greatest influence over your decisions—God's or man's?

2. God Commands Us to Fear Him

Jesus gave His disciples a powerful warning:

“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” — Matthew 10:28

Jesus was preparing His followers for persecution.

Notice what He did not say: He did not promise that nobody would oppose them.

Instead, He taught them where their fear should be directed.

People can hurt us physically. They can insult us. Reject us. Lie about us. Exclude us. Even persecute us.

But people do not have ultimate authority over our eternal destiny.

God does.

Therefore, the Christian must place the fear of God above the fear of man.

The fear of God does not mean that we constantly expect God to harm us. Biblical fear includes reverence, awe, submission, and recognition of His absolute authority.

When we understand who God is, the opinions of people become smaller.

3. God Is Greater Than Any Human Being

Psalm 118:6 declares:

“The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?”

This is not saying that people cannot cause suffering. People can do many things. But they cannot overthrow God's ultimate purposes for His children.

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Our closest relationships should help us follow Christ, not pull us away from Him!

Key Scripture:

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”

2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV)

What Does “Equally Yoked” Mean?

A yoke was a wooden device used to join two animals together so they could work as one. For the animals to work effectively, they needed to be compatible in size, strength, and direction.

Paul uses this picture to teach us about relationships.

To be equally yoked means to be joined closely with someone who shares your fundamental commitment to following Christ.

This principle is particularly important in relationships where two people have significant influence over one another—such as:

• Marriage
• Dating relationships
• Close friendships
• Business partnerships
• Ministry partnerships

Choosing relationships that strengthen—not weaken—our walk with Christ.

Being equally yoked does not mean that Christians can never have friendships with people who don't believe in Jesus. Jesus Himself spent time with people who were far from God. Rather, Scripture warns us about entering relationships where another person's fundamental direction is pulling us away from Christ.

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Being a man or woman of God is not primarily about appearance, position, personality, accomplishments, or religious activity. It is about belonging to God, walking with Him, becoming like Christ, and faithfully representing Him in everyday life.

Key verse:

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” — Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

1. A Person of God Belongs to God

Before we ask, “What should a man or womanof God do?”, we need to ask, “Whose am I?”

The Christian life begins with belonging to Christ.

Read: Romans 12:1–2; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; Galatians 2:20.

Paul reminds believers that they have been bought with a price. Our lives are no longer ultimately our own.

Being a man or woman of God means surrendering ownership of our lives to God.

The question becomes not merely, “Can I do-this?” but “Does this honor the One I belong to?”

2. A Person of God Knows God

You cannot faithfully represent someone you do not know.

Jesus described eternal life this way:

“And this is life eternal, that they might knowthee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” — John 17:3 (KJV)

A man or woman of God develops a genuine relationship with God through His Word, prayer, worship, obedience, and fellowship with other believers.

Read: Psalm 1:1–3; John 15:1–11; 2 Timothy 3:14–17.

Notice the picture in Psalm 1. The person who delights in God's Word becomes like a tree planted by streams of water.

Spiritual strength is not produced by occasional inspiration. It grows from consistent connection to God.

A person of God has a private life with God that supports their public life before people.

3. A Person of God Pursues Holiness

Holiness does not mean pretending to be perfect.

It means being set apart for God.

Read: 1 Peter 1:14–16; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–8; 2 Timothy 2:20–22.

God calls His people to live differently from the world around them.

Paul tells Timothy:

“Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace...” — 2 Timothy 2:22 (KJV)

Notice the two movements: flee and follow.

Christian holiness isn't merely saying no to sin. It is saying yes to God. Sometimes wisdom means removing ourselves from environments, relationships, habits, or temptations that repeatedly pull us away from Christ.

4. A Person of God Has Character

God is more concerned with who we are becoming than with the image we project.

Read: Galatians 5:22–23; Colossians 3:12–17; Proverbs 4:23.

The fruit of the Spirit describes the character God desires to produce in us:

Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-control.

These qualities apply equally to men and women.

A godly man isn't simply strong; he is self-controlled.

A godly woman isn't simply compassionate; she is also courageous and faithful.

A godly person isn't defined by stereotypes. They are being transformed into the likeness of Christ.

Important distinction

Charisma can attract people. Character earns trust.

A person can be gifted and still lack character. They can preach beautifully and treat people terribly. They can appear spiritual publicly while being spiritually empty privately.

God desires integrity—the same person in private that we claim to be, should be the same one in public!

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Going Deep With Others:

There is a difference between being around people and going deep with people. Jesus did not simply gather crowds; He invested deeply in people. He called disciples, walked with them, taught them, corrected them, encouraged them, and ultimately entrusted them with the work of advancing the Kingdom of God. If we have received a mantle to disciple and mentor others, then we must understand that our assignment is not merely to communicate information. Our assignment is to help shape lives.

Going deep requires relationship.

It requires us to move beyond surface-level conversations and become willing to know people—their strengths, weaknesses, questions, wounds, dreams, gifts, struggles, and spiritual hunger. It means creating an environment where people can be honest without fear of condemnation and where growth can happen through truth, grace, accountability, and love.

Jesus demonstrated this kind of intentional investment with His disciples. He taught them publicly, but He also explained things privately. He allowed them to ask questions. He confronted their wrong thinking. He watched them fail and then taught them how to grow from those failures. He celebrated their victories and continued to prepare them for the assignment ahead. That is the heart of discipleship.

Going Deep Requires Trust

People will rarely allow us to speak deeply into their lives until they know that we genuinely love them.

Mentorship is not about control. Discipleship is not about creating people who depend upon us. Healthy spiritual leadership points people toward Jesus and equips them to hear, obey, and follow Him for themselves.

We must therefore lead with humility. We should be willing to say, “I don't know,” “I was wrong,” or “I am still growing too.”

Our transparency can give others permission to grow. When people know that they are loved, they become more willing to receive correction. When they know that correction comes from a place of love rather than pride, they can begin to see it as an invitation to maturity rather than rejection.

Going Deep Requires Time

One of the greatest investments we can make in another person's life is our time. We live in a culture that often values quick results, short conversations, and instant solutions. But spiritual formation is rarely instant. People develop over time. A seed does not become a tree overnight.

Going Deep Requires Accountability

Love without accountability can become enabling. If we truly want to disciple people, we must be willing to lovingly challenge them. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone is not encouragement but truth.

Going deep means we don't merely celebrate someone's potential; we help them confront the things that could prevent them from walking in that potential.

Going Deep Means Discovering What God Put Inside Them

Mentoring is not about making everyone look like us. God has uniquely gifted every person. Our responsibility is not to reproduce our personality, preferences, or ministry style. Our responsibility is to help people discover who God created them to be and equip them to function in their own calling.

Going Deep Is About Multiplication

The ultimate goal is not simply that someone becomes a mature believer. The goal is multiplication. Jesus invested in twelve so that those twelve could carry the Gospel beyond Him. Paul invested in Timothy so Timothy could invest in others.

This is Kingdom multiplication.

That is what it means to go deep.

And when we go deep with others, we participate in the pattern Jesus gave us: receive, develop, equip, and multiply.

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Jesus Went About Doing Good:

Acts 10:38 (KJV) "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him."

Jesus did not merely talk about goodness. He went about doing good!

1. Jesus Looked for People Who Needed Help

Jesus was constantly aware of the needs around Him. He noticed people whom others overlooked. When Jesus saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion.

Matthew 9:36 says:

"But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."

Jesus did not see crowds merely as numbers. He saw individuals with real needs. Doing good begins with seeing people.

2. Jesus Was Moved by Compassion

Jesus did not help people simply because He was performing religious duties. His actions flowed from genuine compassion. Consider the leper in Mark 1:40–42. The man came to Jesus and begged Him to make him clean. Jesus could have simply spoken a word from a distance. Instead, He reached out and touched him. Compassion asks, "What can I do?"

3. Jesus Served the Humble and the Ordinary

One of the clearest examples of Jesus doing good is found in John 13. Jesus washed His disciples' feet.

John 13:14–15 says:

"If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."

Jesus was Lord and Master, yet He willingly took the position of a servant. He demonstrated that greatness in God's kingdom is not measured by how many people serve us, but by how willingly we serve others.

4. Jesus Helped People Physically and Spiritually

Jesus cared about the whole person.He healed the sick, fed the hungry, comforted the grieving, and delivered people from oppression. But He also addressed their deepest spiritual needs.

When Jesus healed the paralytic in Mark 2, He first said:

"Son, thy sins be forgiven thee."— Mark 2:5

Jesus eventually healed the man's physical condition, but He demonstrated that forgiveness and reconciliation with God are even more fundamental.

5. Jesus Did Good Even When It Was Inconvenient

Jesus' ministry was filled with interruptions.

People approached Him while He was traveling. Crowds surrounded Him. The sick cried out to Him. Parents brought their children. Individuals sought Him privately. And Jesus repeatedly stopped to help.

6. Jesus Did Good to People Who Could Not Repay Him

Jesus taught His followers not to limit kindness to people who can benefit us.

Luke 14:12–14 teaches that we should give to those who cannot repay us.

7. Jesus Showed Mercy to Sinners

Jesus never approved of sin, but He consistently showed mercy toward sinners. Consider Zacchaeus in Luke 19. Zacchaeus was a tax collector and was despised by many people. Yet Jesus intentionally went to his house.

8. Jesus Forgave His Enemies

Perhaps the greatest example of Jesus doing good is found at the cross. While being crucified, Jesus prayed:

Luke 23:34

"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."

Jesus responded to hatred with forgiveness.

9. Jesus' Good Works Pointed People to God

Jesus never performed good works simply to draw attention to Himself. His works revealed the character of His Father.

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The Compassion of Jesus: Jesus sees people, feels their pain, and responds with love.

“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” — Matthew 9:36 (KJV)

Compassion was a central part of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus did not simply see people’s problems from a distance. He cared deeply about their suffering and responded with love, mercy, healing, encouragement, and practical help.

1. Jesus Had Compassion for the Hurting

Matthew 14:13–14

When Jesus saw the large crowd, He did not become irritated by their needs. Instead, He was moved with compassion and healed those who were sick.

Jesus recognized that people were hurting and responded to their needs.

2. Jesus Had Compassion for the Hungry

Matthew 15:32–38

Jesus told His disciples that He had compassion on the crowd because they had been with Him for several days and had nothing to eat. He then provided food for them.

Jesus cared about both spiritual and physical needs. His compassion led Him to take action.

Lesson: Compassion notices a need and looks for a way to help.

3. Jesus Had Compassion for Those Who Were Grieving

John 11:32–36

When Jesus saw Mary and the people mourning the death of Lazarus, He was deeply moved. Jesus knew He was about to raise Lazarus, yet He still entered into the grief of those around Him.

Jesus understands human sorrow. He is not distant from our pain.

Lesson: Jesus cares about our tears and our grief.

4. Jesus Had Compassion for Those Who Were Rejected

Mark 1:40–42

A man with leprosy approached Jesus and asked to be healed. Jesus was moved with compassion, reached out His hand, and healed him.

This man was not only suffering physically; he was also socially isolated. Jesus was willing to touch someone whom others avoided.

Lesson: Jesus showed love to people others rejected.

5. Jesus Had Compassion for the Lost

Luke 15:11–24

In the parable of the prodigal son, the father sees his returning son from a distance and runs to meet him. The story illustrates God’s loving heart toward those who turn back to Him.

Jesus wanted people to understand that God welcomes the repentant with mercy rather than rejection.

Lesson: Compassion makes room for forgiveness and restoration.

6. Jesus Calls Us to Show Compassion

Luke 10:25–37

In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus teaches that loving our neighbor means responding when someone is hurting. The Samaritan did not merely notice the injured man; he stopped, helped him, and made sure he received care.

What Does Jesus’ Compassion Teach Us?

Jesus’ compassion shows us that:

• Compassion sees people. Jesus noticed those whom others overlooked.
• Compassion feels with people.Jesus entered into the suffering and sorrow of others.
• Compassion takes action. Jesus did something to help.
• Compassion does not discriminate.Jesus cared for the sick, poor, rejected, grieving, and sinful.
• Compassion offers hope. Jesus did not merely address immediate problems; He pointed people toward God.
• Compassion requires love. Genuine Christian compassion reflects the character of Christ.

The goal is not simply to study the compassion of Jesus, but to become people who show His compassion to others.