I like being productive. Getting things done brings a level of satisfaction to my day. I try to start most days with a set of things to get done. Sometimes that list is on paper and very clearly laid out. Other days that list is in my head and changes as the day unfolds. But if I get most of that list done by the end of the day, I feel accomplished. However, in my pursuit of productivity I realize there is something that I have to overcome.

Fear. Productivity practically demands you face various types of fears each and every day. It might be the fear of imperfection. There is that project you have avoided because you are afraid it won’t turn out perfectly. The fear of incompetence is another. You delay writing that paper due to a lack of ignorance of the subject. But there is another fear I have found in my own heart that often ruins my productivity. A fear that is more deeply rooted in my heart. One that hides subtly behind every phone call, email, and personal interaction. This fear not only diminishes my productivity, it cripples my relationships.

“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”

Proverbs 29:25

The fear of man. It is crippling, subtle, and deadly to much of our lives. Yet it lurks everyday in my own heart and behavior. I have often sought to root it out in my own life and just when I think I am having some success, it rears its ugly head again. So how can one seek to love people rather than fear them? Is there anyway to truly conquer this fear? Reagan Rose write an excellent article “How to Stop Being Afraid of People?“. For all you people-pleasers, I highly recommend it.

READ THE ARTICLE

One nugget to look for in the article is the one fear we must have to overcome our fear of people. Reagan offers many other great suggestions and observations. I’d love to hear what stood out to you in the article. How are you overcoming your fear of people? What has been helpful to you? Leave it in the comments as it may help others on this journey as well. And as always be with the Lord’s people on the Lord’s day.

Until Next Time,

Photo by Carl Heyerdahl on Unsplash