Fear. It can manifest itself in many forms. Chrysostom was the church leader
of Constantinople in the fourth century when Rome was persecuting the
Church. The Roman emperor had him arrested and charged with being a
Christian. If Chrysostom did not renounce Christ, then the emperor would
have this Christian leader banished from the kingdom. Chrysostom responded
to the threat by saying that the emperor could not do so, "because the whole
world is my Father's kingdom." "Then," replied the emperor, "I will take
away your life." To which Chrysostom said, "You cannot, for my life is hid
with Christ in God." Next threatened with the loss of his treasure, this
saint replied, "You cannot, for my treasure is in heaven where my heart is."
The emperor made one last effort: "Then I will drive you away from here and
you shall have no friend left." But again Chrysostom responded, "You cannot,
for I have one Friend from whom you can never separate me. I defy you for
you can do me no harm."
You can do me no harm!
Jesus said, "Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them
will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your
head are all numbered. Therefore do not fear; you are of more value than
many sparrows."
Do not fear!
Chrysostom lived the life that Jesus expected of him and you can too. A life
without fear. Remember that...
1. It is awful to live in fear.
2. Some fears are of your own creation.
3. The ideal antidote to fear is faith.
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