Is fear a sin?

A few years ago, I heard someone describe sin as “something that takes you away from God.” I can relate and agree with this. Although this definition is not in the Bible (as far as I know), it seems to fit with the many examples and details we read about.

So, if you follow these guidelines, sin could be any number of things we do on a normal basis. For example, I have found that my spirit is drained when I watch very violent and graphic television. I sometimes spend too much time on the computer/Internet when I could easily be doing a Bible study or prayer time. This is also where the materialism comes into play. I was also told that you can tell a person’s heart by looking at his/her checkbook and dayplanner.

However, the motivation for this blog…fear. Does it ever take you away from doing godly things? Have you skipped out on serving people because you are afraid?

Wednesday, I drove by a homeless man and immediately was pained in my heart. He was in a busy area that usually doesn’t have beggars. He had a cardboard sign that said, “Homeless. I need help.” It was so simplistic and yet so complicated at once. How could I help? What could I do? I would have loved to sit down and chat with him for hours…or better yet, take him to a warm place to stay and get cleaned up. But, I was afraid. I was afraid of all the horrible stories I have heard. I am sure he had a knife or a gun…something that would bring bodily damage (insert sarcasm). And even if I had pulled out of the situation safely, what would my parents say if they ever found out that I put myself “in danger.”

So, here is a classic situation of fear keeping me from doing what I know Jesus would do. How many times did fear stop Jesus or the disciples? They were arrested, beaten, and even killed for doing God’s work. Is fear a viable excuse to God to not spread His word or help His people?

Although, we shouldn’t seek out trouble, I cannot ignore what the Bible says.

Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Psalm 56:4 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God whose Word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?”

Luke 12:4-5 “I tell you my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing that they can do. But I will warn you who to fear; fear him, who after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell.”

I send this blog out to all my friends and family and beg for your input. Can you give me personal opinions, or better yet, Scripture to answer these questions?