Fear, The Powerful Motivator

What a colossal soul-deafening moment, when you realize the magnitude of the cracks in the wall of a well-constructed reality. All at once, you experience what I can only describe as thought freeze.

You’ve heard of the expression brain freeze, right? The sensation of agony felt when consuming ice cream or other frozen product too fast. Suddenly a blinding pain stops you in your tracks, usually followed by some sort of sound effect and the compulsion to apply pressure to the area. Within a minute or two it passes, and like most of us, you return to your previous enjoyment, albeit more gingerly. After all, ice cream is very good. 
The experiences of those who have left the shackles of legalism found in Armstrong’s doctrine, would relate to this description.

Thought freeze. Perhaps someone in your life has asked you a question for which you do not have a prepared response. Maybe it hasn’t been presented as divine revelation in a sermon yet.  Still, it hit a nerve, breaching the well-fortified walls of doctrine. Maybe for just a moment, it made you wonder if everything you thought was iron clad truth was questionable.

Instantly, like the brain freeze of eager ice cream consumers, a bolt of fear and indignation stops all thoughts processing; gripped with mortal fear that Satan has crept into your mind to try to deceive you. Immediately you pray, or immerse yourself in what you have always been sure of: Armstrong’s words on what the Bible says. Apply pressure to the pain; wait for it to pass. The only difference is that you avoid it altogether, unlike those who are free to enjoy their ice cream afterward.

You reason to yourself, “Brush off that moment of doubt! Remember that man is fallible! Subject to error. But the foundation is sure. The trunk is securely rooted.” 

But, how can that be reconciled with church teachings? 
The Churches of God teach that the word of God as found in the Bible are the infallible, inspired writings breathed through men by God Himself. So, whatever is inspired is without error. Yet, the means God used were still mere men. Men are subject to error. 

How do we resolve this? Either the Bible is infallible because it was inspired by God or it is fallible because it was recorded by men. It cannot be both, unless God was a liar. We know God is not a liar. [I assure you that I am not calling the trustworthiness of the Bible into account.] So it is with Herbert Armstrong. He claimed divine revelation for himself and would never be allowed to err (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). Yet we have seen many errors and false prophecies given and taught by the Churches of God as declared by Mr. Armstrong. Throughout As Bereans Did, you will see plethora examples of Armstrong’s errors.  There is no need to list them here. How can Mr. Armstrong be both infallible and fallible at the same time?

I have mentioned this to point to something fostered by this dissonance - fear.

I remember very well stumbling across what we were taught were “anti-church of God” websites. We were told these sites were run by ex-members: those bitter from ex-communication, those deceived by Satan, or those who were never truly converted in the first place. They would declare that anyone truly called by God and fully converted could never leave, God would not allow it. Therefore, they were chaff. So convincing is the often used employ of rejection, that I would effectively dismiss anything contrary to the teachings of my Church of God splinter. It’s a lot easier than doubting everything you have believed in and worked for in the only reality you now accept.

However, something doesn’t quite add up when people dare to delve fearlessly into the claims of the free. The temptation to “thought freeze” it out of existence is very strong.  Consider for a moment that the very need to use such a tactic may be evidence that you need a defense mechanism. If there is nothing to fear, then surely we would not need such a thing. The word of God can stand up to any scrutiny. God can be trusted to never let you down; never let you go, never abandon you. Not because you fulfill a method of rules aimed at increasing your worthiness to rule, not because you have shown Him how serious you are about following His ways, and not because  He wants to delegate. It’s because God is glorious, loving, merciful, forgiving, gentle, merciful, and if there is any other good thing, it is because HE is love! He lets none of His children go.  He is a wonderful loving Father. Believe it dear reader.

I too, was once in the shoes of those who immediately cast off any criticism. I looked at ex-members the way thought reform had trained me to, all the while thinking I had been given pearls.  I had thought-stopping processes that had given me immediate ways out of doubt. Once in a while though, something always made it past all the road blocks. All the diversions I could make and call logic crumbled like a house of cards. I was faced with a choice; examine the claims and trust God to preserve me, or surrender to my fears and walk away from a Bereans spirit. Thankfully, by God’s grace, I did as Bereans did.

Do not be fearful beloved child of the Most High. He will not forsake you (Deuteronomy 4:31). He is with you, and wants you to be free.  The next time you find yourself tasting that sweet taste of the New Covenant speaking in your heart, do not fear, but trust Him. Trust that no matter where you go, or what you do, He will accomplish His will (Philippians 1:6). Be comforted in this: His will is that none who trust in Him should perish (John 3:16) and God always accomplishes His will (Philippians 2:13).

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It is important that you understand; Everything on this blog is based on the current understanding of each author. Never take anyone's word for it, always prove it for yourself, it is your responsibility. You cannot ride someone else's coattail into the Kingdom. ; ) Acts 17:11
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