{Elementary} March:: Fear Factor

Is bravery or courage really the same thing as fearlessness, being free from fear? Perhaps you're thinking that one man's "brave" is another man's "stupid." After all, fear is natural and normal in certain situations and keeps us healthy. Fear prompts us to flee from avalanches. A reasonable fear of germs reminds us to wash our hands. "Fear" of one's parents, or at least of losing privileges, encourages teens to get home by curfew. A lack of fear can land us in a heap of trouble. But then so can the opposite extreme: living in fear.

God knows this world can be a scary place, and all of us at some point will need true grit in order to stand up to it. Thankfully, God doesn't expect us not to be afraid (check out this month's memory verse, Psalm 56:3). But just as important, He doesn't want us to live enslaved to fear either (2 Timothy 1:7). So, no, we can't really expect to live free of fear but we CAN live free from fear.



Kids need to start understanding these things about courage and why God wants them to have it. So in March, in 252 Basics, we'll take a look at some things God says about courage, which is being brave enough to do what you should do even when you're afraid:

When you're afraid, remember God is with you. Because God was with David, he had the mettle needed to face a giant problem (1 Samuel 17).

Remember God with you when you do the right thing. God gave Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego the nerve to defy the king despite fiery consequences (Daniel 3).

Remember God is with you when you speak up for what's right. God gave Esther the boldness to stand up and speak up for some people in dire straits (Esther 4-8).

Remember God is with you when you are the only one doing the right thing. Daniel faced the lions with fortitude because God gave him the strength to do so (Daniel 6).

By Melanie Williams. © 2011 The reThink Group * www.rethinkgroup.org * All rights reserved. Used by permission

Take a look at this quick video to help you gear up for this months virtue Courage:

Courage
Being brave enough to do what you should do even when you're afraid.