There’s an old saying, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” Credit is given to Franklin D. Roosevelt from a speech he gave during the Great Depression. However, the phrase was originated by a sixteenth century French writer named Michel de Montaigne. Where it originated is not the point of this post, I just thought it was interesting. The point do want to make is that the statement rings very true.
The enemy was rendered powerless to those who are in Christ Jesus. The “power” in Luke 10:19 in the original Greek is dynamis (doo’-nam-is), which means ability. So, I’ve been given authority over any ability the enemy had to harm me. So, what does this means to me? I don’t have to fear the unknown. I have to be discerning because deception is the only tool the enemy has left. I won’t kid myself, deception is a powerful tool. I see it’s affects on people – especially since 2020.
Without being grounded in truth, I can fall for anything that seem to make a good argument. That includes trusting in people just because they have a few letters behind their name, or they have been given a particular title or position. I believe there is absolute truth, and I have the ability to know the truth – not my truth or your truth, but the Truth.
“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.””
John 8:31-32 NKJV
I believe the reason we have so much strife in the world is because the enemy got us to buy into individual truth, or relativism. I don’t care what your “reality” might be, facts change, but the truth remains the same.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 NKJV
Knowing the truth removes fear. Ironically, I have also encountered people who fear seeking out truth. I experienced this as well. Why? Because of the possibility of it changing an established belief system. The first step I took to combat this was to decide that I didn’t want to be ignorant my whole life. The next step was to be open and hear what others had to say – even if we have different views. I found that my faith was strengthened and not weakened. I also identified areas where I had faith in my faith, rather than trust in Jesus Christ.
The most powerful part of the authority I’ve been given, through Christ Jesus, is the freedom to love others – and meet them where they are. My authority is not about changing someone else, but to be a blessing to them. The power is in the blessing.
Not By Bread Alone 