Jeremy L. Berg

Politicians want you to be afraid—but should you be?

As someone who struggles with anxiety myself, I understand the crippling power fear can exercise in our lives. As a pastor and disciple of Jesus, however, I live in a story where faith overcomes fear as the dominant force. All who are in Christ can experience His “perfect love driving out all fear” — including fear in politics.

While both sides use fear to try to win our vote, I lament how my tribe of Evangelicals has more than earned the nickname “Fearvangelicals” because of how easily we are moved and manipulated by fear-mongering tactics.

As a follower of Jesus, and one in whom the Spirit of the Living God dwells, I simply refuse to take the bait. I refuse to be motivated by fear. So every political postcard in my mail box using fear gets tossed in the recycling bin. Every ad on TV using fear to demonize the other side gets muted.

I am a Christian, and Christians are commanded some 365 times in the Bible to “be not afraid.” This isn’t always easy. It may not come naturally. It’s a spiritual discipline of practicing tuning in and turning up the volume of the Voice of Faith and silencing the Voice of Fear throughout each day.

I am a Christian, and as such I am learning to be motivated by LOVE of God and love for my neighbor, and refusing to be motivated by FEAR of losing this, or the threat of my supposed “enemy” whom Christ has called me to love, not fear or fight. “In this world you will have trials and tribulations,” Jesus promises, “But take heart, I have overcome the world.”

As fear and paranoia drive American politics, there’s a surprising connection to the ‘Got Milk?’ campaign that might explain why. Skye Jethani explains in this short video below and is well worth a few minutes of your time.

Be not afraid, little flock. Jesus is on the throne; just make sure your ultimate allegiance is to Him and your hope is in His Kingdom.