September 4, 2020
Fear: The Opposite of Faith
I've always liked the movie Troy, a Hollywood adaptation of Homer's Iliad. The movie follows the story of Achilles and Hector, concluding with the trojan horse scene and destruction of the city of Troy from Homer's sequel, The Odyssey. The last scene shows Achilles' funeral pyre, as Odysseus speaks the words, "If they ever tell my story, let them say that I walked with giants. Men rise and fall like the winter wheat, but these names will never die. Let them say I lived in the time of Hector, tamer of horses. Let them say I lived in the time of Achilles."
These days, I wonder if we'll be best known for walking through the pandemic. We clearly live in novel and interesting times! Odysseus might say, "They lived in the time of COVID-19."
But the excitement, intrigue, and conflict that magnifies Homer's protagonists leaves a swath of destruction in its wake. It makes for classic literature and a great story, but may not be something to seek. Uncertainty and change breed fear, but opportunities abound!
Is the uncertainty and life-change associated with COVID-19 causing anxiety in your life this year?
For most people that I know, and for me, the answer is yes.
Are you fearful? I hope not. I believe fear is the opposite of faith. In the limited sense in which fear simply implies awareness and preparation for danger, it is essential. But, when people become terrified, they stop thinking logically and start saying and doing things according to flight or fight instincts.
The writer of Hebrews says in chapter one, verse 11, "Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Similarly, Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:7, "We walk by faith, not by sight." In both, believers are encouraged not to allow their immediate circumstances to dictate their behavior or beliefs; we are encouraged to hold fast to our reasoned faith despite trials. Even if the situation seems hopeless or frightening, it is not, because God is with you.
When Zerubbabel led the Israelites back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple after captivity in Babylon, amid significant opposition, The Lord spoke through the prophet Haggai, "Be strong… be strong… be strong… and work! For I am with you declares the Lord Almighty." Then in the following verse, "Do not fear" (Haggai 2:4-5, NIV).
I am so encouraged that as we have followed the Lord's leading in our return to school, He has blessed in amazing ways! Amid the pandemic, He has strengthened us for this work, and He continues to provide spiritually, physically (with good health), and financially for our school. Let us move forward prudently, without fear.
In Christ,
Dr. Jeff Marx
Head of School
