Understanding a Powerful Phrase in Simple Terms
If you’ve ever heard someone say, “Fear God, not man,” you might wonder what it’s really all about. It sounds intense, but at its core, this saying is less about being scared and more about having your priorities straight—especially when it comes to your faith.
What Does It Mean to Fear God?
First, let’s clear up the confusion: in the Bible, when it says to “fear God,” it doesn’t mean we should be terrified of Him, like a child afraid of the dark. Instead, it means we should have a deep respect, awe, and reverence for God. It’s about recognizing that God is powerful, wise, and loving—and that His opinion matters most.
To “fear God” means wanting to honor Him, live in a way that pleases Him, and take His guidance seriously. It’s a healthy kind of respect, much like the way you respect a good teacher, a loving parent, or someone who always has your best interests at heart.
What Does It Mean to Not Fear Man?
On the flip side, “not fearing man” isn’t about ignoring people or being rude. Rather, it means not letting the opinions, expectations, or pressures from others dictate how you live your life. It’s about not being so worried about fitting in, pleasing everyone, or avoiding criticism that you end up compromising what you know is right.
Sometimes, people are tempted to do what’s popular instead of what’s good. The phrase reminds us to stay true to God’s ways, even if that means standing out or facing pushback from others.
The Biblical Basis
The idea comes from several places in the Bible. One of the clearest examples is when Jesus says in Matthew 10:28: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” In other words, people might be able to hurt us in small ways, but God is ultimately in charge of everything—both now and forever.
Other parts of the Bible echo this. For example, in Matthew 5:26-33, Jesus teaches that real change and forgiveness come from following Him—not just outwardly, but deep down in our hearts. He didn’t come to just give earthly power or make life easy; He came to help us turn away from sin and experience true freedom.
According to the Bible, when we repent (which means turning away from wrong and toward God), and trust in Jesus, we receive forgiveness and the Holy Spirit—God’s presence in our lives. This is evidence that God wants us to obey Christ, and that He empowers us to live differently, not just for show but from the inside out.
Why Is This Important for Everyday Life?
So, what does all this mean for you and me? It means that when we make choices, we should care more about what God thinks than about pleasing the crowd.
· It gives you courage: When you fear God most, you won’t be easily swayed by peer pressure or criticism. You can stand up for what’s right, even if it’s unpopular.
· It leads to integrity: You’ll be the same person in private as you are in public, because you’re living for God, not just for human approval.
· It sets you free: You don’t have to exhaust yourself trying to keep up with everyone’s expectations. Instead, you can rest in knowing that God’s opinion is what truly matters.
Summing It Up
In short, “Fear God, not man” means making your relationship with God the most important thing in your life. It doesn’t mean living in terror, but in respect, trust, and love for God. It’s about living with integrity and courage, even when the world pulls you in another direction.
When you put God first, you’ll find real freedom, forgiveness, and strength to live the way you were created to live—fearlessly.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 