Scaredy Cat

I've been noticing lately how much I rely on what other people think of me. It's that overwhelming desire to fit in. We called it a different thing when we were in high school: peer pressure. And, to a certain extent, I still have it.

But, I'm not alone. In fact, people alive at the time of Christ had the same trouble:

"I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do."

Luke 12:4

Christ points out the obvious fact that I miss in day to day life - 'Buddy, the worst they can do is kill you.' But what I find most striking is that Christ doesn't stop there. He doesn't just tell us we shouldn't "fear men;" he tells us that we should fear God.

"But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!"

Luke 12:5

When I think about it, the fear of man is pretty dumb. Why should I get embarrassed easily? Why should I be so afraid that "people might not like me?" Here I am assigning more importance to something as miniscule as someone's opinion, rather than concentrating on fearing the all-powerful creator God. I should be worrying about His opinion more than anything else.

So, why on earth am I such a scaredy cat who worries what other people think of me?