The Difference Between Fear and Reverence: Finding Courage in the Spirit

Brothers and sisters, as we continue to gather in the Spirit and feel the call to share the gospel in our local communities—whether we’re in the MTC, serving in a stake center, or right here in our homes as Internet missionaries—one thing keeps surfacing in our discussions: the nature of fear.

It’s easy to get caught up in the *what*—what to say, what objection to handle, how to get the invitation. But the Spirit often nudges us toward the *who*. Who do we truly fear? What is the ultimate weight we place on our hearts?

Recently, I was pondering a message that cut right to the core of discipleship, drawing heavily from Luke 12:4-5. It’s a powerful reminder that true courage isn't the absence of fear; it’s the proper *object* of our reverence.

We are taught to not fear those who can only harm the body. And while we certainly face opposition in the field—and sometimes those opposition feels very real and very immediate—the Savior directs our focus upward. He points us toward a fear that is infinitely more weighty, a reverence for the Judge of eternal life.

This concept—teming a Deus (Fearing God)—is a cornerstone of being Christlike. It’s not about being paralyzed by dread; it’s about cultivating a deep, abiding respect that guides every word and action. It’s the knowledge that our eternal destiny is not up for negotiation with worldly powers.

The Eternal Perspective: What Truly Matters?

When we frame our lives through the lens of the eternal, earthly threats shrink to their proper size. The Savior reminds us that the body’s death, while real, is small compared to the eternal reckoning. This perspective is what allowed the early disciples to face martyrdom without wavering. They didn't fear the sword; they feared the separation from the Father.

This isn't a scary, legalistic doctrine designed to make us anxious. Rather, it’s an invitation to shift our focus entirely. It’s an invitation to remember the covenant path, the path that leads back to the Father, the path that requires nothing less than our full commitment.

From Reverence to Action: Living the Fear

So, how do we actually *do* this? How do we move from understanding this doctrine to embodying it when we are making missionary discussions, or when we are studying scripture in a Book Club?

It starts with the heart. The greatest miracle, as the message suggested, isn't something happening *out there* in the world; it’s the transformation happening *in here*. It’s the daily commitment to change our hearts and our eternal direction.

If you are feeling the weight of the work, or if you are preparing for your own mission, remember this: Reverence fuels missionary preparation. It gives you the steady confidence that comes not from your own eloquence, but from the Spirit that testifies of the restored gospel. It allows you to be patient, gentle, and persistent, even when the process is slow.

If you’re looking for ways to deepen this understanding, I highly recommend diving into the teachings on covenants and eternal progression. You can find some excellent foundational material by reading through the works of Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook. It’s a wonderful place to build your personal library of scripture-discipleship.

We are all disciples, no matter where we are. We are Internet missionaries right now. Let’s commit today to letting our reverence for the Savior guide our actions, making us bolder, more patient, and more Spirit-filled in every interaction.

If you feel the Spirit prompting you to discuss this further, please consider joining a local Bible Study Group through HolyPlaces. Or, if you’re feeling ready to test out some of these principles, join our free weekly Disciple Challenge!