14 Apr, 2009
The Fear
One of the most popular songs around the world in recent months has been a song by Lily Allen called The Fear. It has even hit #1 on the charts in the UK. It is Allen's commentary on the life of a celebrity and society in general today.
Unfortunately, it gives a very clear picture of the lies that our society has bought into when she says things like...
- I want to be rich and I want lots of money
- Life's about film stars and fast cars
- I'm packing plastic and that's what makes my life so fantastic
- I'm a weapon of massive consumption
- Everything's cool as long as I'm getting thinner
There are other disturbing lines in this song that point to a pursuit of "being famous". The chorus goes on to explain where all of this has left her when she says...
I don't know what's right and what's real anymore
I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore
When we think it will all become clear
'Cuz I'm being taken over by The Fear
I John 2:15-17 [NIV]
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires will pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
I John 4:16-18a [NIV]
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.
What does God's Story teach us about this world and fear?
The options we have are really only two...pursue and love the things of this world or pursue and love our Father. We can not do both.
The results are also pretty simple. If we choose to pursue the things of this world, we will be left empty and searching for purpose. Today's lyrics spell that out quite well. Without God the meaning of our lives quickly dwindles to nothing and leaves us in a place of confusion and fear.
If we choose, however, to pursue the love of the Father, all of that changes. We gain an eternal purpose, forgiveness, hope, joy, contentment, friendship with God and love...and as we learned today, perfect love casts out fear!
How can we connect today's story and God's Story with my story?
- Replace the lies this culture feeds us with the TRUTH! This is done by feeding our minds and hearts with God's Word every day. We, for example, won't need fame, the right body shape or money to make us valuable because we will know that God values us just like we are!
- Stop pursuing the empty things of this world and focus instead on eternal matters only. Other scriptures that will encourage you in this are 2 Corinthians 4:18, Mark 8:34-36, Colossians 3:1-2 and Hebrews 12:2. Ask God to show you if you have any of these empty pursuits in your life right now...and then ask Him to set you free from them.
- Take any "fears" you have to your heavenly Father because His love will cast them out!
How can we connect today's story, God's story and my story with my friend's story?
- If you find yourself with friends who are listening to this song (or any of the many songs like it that push listeners to the things of this world) ask them if they think any of that "stuff" would really make them happy. It will likely be the start of a great discussion about the only thing that can truly bring happiness and contentment.
- If the opportunity presents itself, share with a friend a few things you have been fearful of...and ask them if they have any themselves. You might be surprised at what they are dealing with inside. You can then ask them if you can pray for them. They may even want you to pray right there! This would be a great opportunity to introduce them to the Father who can take those fears from them.
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