Earlier today, we  watched the webinar "What Should Christians Think About Conversion Therapy?" from The Center for Faith Sexuality and Gender. Hosted by Greg Coles with Greg Johnson presenting. The history of the Christian "ex-gay" movement, what came before it and how the church can respond today. It was not a list of statistics from studies, there was only one lens looked through. God, His holiness and His standard.

As simplistic as that seems in print, the church (we include ourselves in this) has done a horrible job. It's generally easy to extend grace, mercy and compassion to ourselves in areas of personal sin. Confronted with sin we don't understand or empathize with and the finger pointing begins. I am blown away as I realize just how much my fear has been a driver. Oh, I know that perfect love casts out all fear, and that fear is a weapon the enemy uses on a grand scale to paralyze believers. Fear has meant I don't trust God. Fear has revealed I've been more concerned with what people think than to walk in obedience. Fear has caused my heart to race and my mind to spin. *Fear really is a liar. 

One of the most tragic impacts of fear in my life, is judging and avoiding the unfamiliar, the unpleasant and the unknown. This is not the first time I have shared my propensity to shrink back and as humbling as that may be, I am certain that by owning it, the fear will shrink. Fear is a powerful weapon in the hands of the enemy and fear evaporates when I know, believe and live out the Truth of our great God and His love for us. His perfect love casts out all fear. 

Our world is trembling with fear, acting out in anger and avoiding relationships that don't mirror the same beliefs and viewpoints. In a couple of weeks I will be traveling to Israel and walking where Jesus walked. Prior to leaving, my very fearful self will be demanding and distracting. I am not a fan of travel and although I've been on different continents and in different cultures, my fearful self always shows up. I will be continually hitting refresh so that my mind is centered on Truth. Jesus' truth does set us free. Free to live fearlessly. Free to love those who look different, believe differently, to hold our tongues or to speak out boldly. 

What fears distract you and leave you afraid to live the life God has for you and to love the "others" in Jesus name? What tools are in your arsenal against the enemy's lies?

 *Zach Williams - Fear Is a Liar