Fear vs Respect

In this blog I want to talk about a topic that is being experienced a lot these days. This is fear and respect.

In these times we live in, many prefer to use fear to control the people or other people. It is even used so much that many times we do not even realize that we are victims or manipulated by it.

Now, before going deeper into the topic, we must define what fear and respect are and why both are important.

Fear according to Wikipedia is an emotion characterized by an intense unpleasant sensation caused by the perception of danger, real or supposed, present, future or even past. It is a perceived feeling of a primary emotion that derives from natural aversion to risk or threat.

In other words, fear helps us avoid what could harm us. This is a good thing. But there are also fears that go beyond normal and can become a phobia. For example, fear of heights, confined spaces, insects, etc.

To define respect once again we go to Wikipedia and it tells us that it is the special consideration and appreciation that is given to someone or something. We also know that respect is not something that is demanded but earned when we are talking about relationships between people. But our first instinct is to respect.

In The Bible it mentions that, “The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord, and the knowledge of the Holy One is intelligence.” – Proverbs 9:10

The word fear in this case can also be translated as respect. For example, I may be afraid of my father, but he does not mean that I am terrified of him, but rather respect. It is the same with The Lord, I do not have terror or fear of Him, but respect because I know that He is the Creator and my Savior.

But it doesn't just stop there, having respect or fear of the Lord gives us intelligence and wisdom. And this is a concept that applies to other things in our lives.

As weapons, it is not about fear, but respect. Respect is knowing that the weapon can cause great harm, even death, and that is why we have to take precautions when using or handling it. There are certain rules that are followed to avoid “accidents” with weapons:

1. Always point the gun in a safe direction.

2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

3. Always keep the gun empty until it is ready to be used.

4. Always know the target and what is behind the target.

We also have rules or procedures when using a knife, hammer, or operating a lock, etc. It's not about being afraid of him, just having the respect he deserves. That makes us intelligent and wise to know how to use these tools correctly, without causing accidents or injuries. We can even show others how to use them correctly.

This concept can also be applied to other parts of our lives. In some cases, many are so afraid that they make steps and decisions, without thinking them through well or completely, that they normally would not make.

If you are told that you have a serious illness and require this or another treatment, sometimes it is good or wise to receive another opinion or point of view. Then, with all the information in hand, make the decision that best suits your situation.

The fact of respecting the illness, situation, threat, etc. It helps us understand what is happening and react in the wisest way. Panicking blinds us to other options and causes paralysis that can cause great harm or death.

So, instead of allowing fear to dominate you, it is better to respect it and use the knowledge and wisdom that God has given us.

Be afraid of nothing, but respect everyone and everything.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of self-control.” - 2 Timothy 1:7

And as Benjamin Franklin, one of the nation's founders, said, “Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary security deserve neither liberty nor security.”

El Miedo vs El Respecto

En este blog quiero hablar sobre un tema que se esta experimentado mucho en estos días. Este es el miedo y el respeto.

En estos tiempos en que vivimos, muchos prefieren usar el miedo para poder controlar al pueblo u otras personas. Inclusive se usa tanto que muchas veces ni nos damos cuenta de que somos víctimas o manipulados por la misma.

Ahora, antes de ir mas profundo en el tema, debemos de definir que es el miedo y el respeto y porque ambos son importantes.

El miedo según Wikipedia es una emoción caracterizada por una intensa sensación desagradable provocada por la percepción de un peligro, real o supuesto, presente, futuro o incluso pasado. Es un sentimiento que se percibe de una emoción primaria que se deriva de la aversión natural al riesgo o la amenaza.

En otras palabras, el miedo nos ayuda evitar aquello que nos pueda ser daño. Esto es algo bueno. Pero también hay miedos que se van más allá de normal y pueden llegar a convertirse en fobia. Por ejemplo, el miedo a la altura, espacios confinados, insectos, etc.

Para definir el respeto una vez mas vamos a Wikipedia y nos dice que es la consideración y valoración especial que se le tiene a alguien o a algo. También sabemos que el respeto no es algo que se exige sino se gana cuando estamos hablando de relaciones entre personas. Pero nuestro primer instinto de ser respetar.

En La Biblia menciona que, “El principio de la sabiduría es el temor del Señor, y el conocimiento del Santo es inteligencia.” – Proverbios 9:10

La palabra temor en este caso también se puede traducir como respeto. Por ejemplo, yo le puedo tener temor a mi padre, pero no quiere decir que le tengo terror, sino respeto. Es lo mismo con El Señor, no le tengo terror o miedo, sino respeto porque yo se que él es el Creador y mi Salvador.

Pero no solamente se queda ahí, tenerle respeto o temor al Señor nos da inteligencia y sabiduría. Y esto es un concepto que aplica a otras cosas en nuestra vida.

En cuanto armas, no se trata de tenerlo miedo, sino respeto. Respeto es conocer que el arma puede causar gran daño, inclusive muerte, y por eso tenemos que tomar precauciones cuando usando o manipulando la misma. Hay ciertas reglas que se siguen para evitar “accidentes” con armas:

1.     Siempre apuntar el arma en una dirección segura.

2.     Siempre mantener el dedo fuera del gatillo hasta que esté lista para disparar.

3.     Siempre mantenga el arma vacía hasta que este que se vaya a usar.

4.     Siempre conocer el blanco y lo que está detrás del blanco.

También tenemos reglas o procedimientos cuando usamos un cuchillo, martillo, u operamos una cierra, etc. No es tenerle miedo, solo tenerle el respeto que merece. Eso nos hace inteligentes y sabios por saber como usar estas herramientas correctamente, sin causar accidentes o heridas. Inclusive, podemos demostrarles a otros como usarlas de la manera correcta.

También se puede aplicar este concepto a otras partes de nuestra vida. En algunos casos, muchos tienen tanto miedo que toman pasos y decisiones, sin pensarlo bien o completamente, que normalmente no las tomaran.

Si a usted le dicen que tiene una enfermedad seria y requiere tal tratamiento u otro, a veces es bueno o sabio recibir otra opinión o punto de vista. Luego con toda la información en la mano tomar la decisión que más convenie a su situación.

El hecho de respetar a la enfermedad, situación, amenaza, etc. Nos ayuda a entender lo que esta pasando y reaccionar de la manera más sabia. Entrar en pánico nos ciega a otras opciones y causa parálisis que nos puede causar mucho daño o muerte.

Así que, en ves de permitir que el miedo los domine, mejor tenerle respeto y usar el conocimiento y sabiduría que Dios no a dado.

Tenerle miedo a nada, pero respetar a todos y todo.

“[Porque no nos ha dado Dios espíritu de cobardía, sino de poder, de amor y de dominio propio.” - 2 Timoteo 1:7

Y como dijo Benjamín Franklin, unos de los fundadores de la nación, “Aquellos que renunciarían a la libertad esencial para comprar un poco de seguridad temporal, no merecen libertad ni seguridad.”

Christianity and the Police

Lately, I have received several comments from people who question or do not believe in the need for firearms.

They comment that the only weapon is the word of God - the Bible. I agree with them that the Bible is better than a double-edged sword and that it is good to instruct, convict, correct in justice.

But what if a threatening or dangerous situation occurs? How do you defend yourself without a firearm? Especially if the criminal is armed? How will they respond in this case?

You basically have two options - try to defend yourself to the best of your ability or call the police. You can also flee from danger, but when you are at home, where do you go? We all know that when seconds count the police are minutes away.

But if you, as a Christian, don't believe in the use of weapons, why call the police? And what if the cop is a Christian? How can he or she use his weapon? Doesn't the Bible say "You shall not kill?"

Could it be that there are two Christianisms - one for you and one for the police and the military?

Where does this confusion come from?

I believe that the confusion begins in the interpretation of the sixth commandment "You shall not kill," Exodus 20:13.

If we study the root of this word in Hebrew (Rsh), we realize that it means murder, which is the deliberate death of a human being. It is not just killing (harag 0 hiphil). It is killing with premeditation.

When you defend yourself from a threat and the criminal dies in the process, this is not homicide because there was no premeditation, but a defensive reaction to a threat.

It must be said that for the act of self-defense, no firearm is needed. It should even be the last option. If it is possible to stop the threat using another way, for example, pepper spray, escape, etc. it is much better.

Remember that in the time of the Bible there were no pistols or revolvers, but even there were homicides and justified deaths.

Now, what happens in the case that a policeman is a Christian? If killing is not allowed under any circumstances, how does it do its job and defend ourselves?

Clearly there are not two Bibles or two Christianities. There is only one Bible and one Christianity.

The Bible prohibits murder, but allows justifiable killing. For example, the death penalty (Num. 35:30) and self-defense (Exodus 22: 2).

Logically, this extends to military service. That exists to protect our country.

This is clearly seen in the book of Nehemiah 4: 15-18, when the Jewish people were building the wall of Jerusalem.

To protect the people from the enemy, half of the workers built the wall while the other half stood guard with spears, shields, bows, and breastplates. But they both had a sword strapped to their waist. Very similar to carrying a concealed weapon today.

They weren't looking for a fight, but they were ready to defend themselves if the enemy attacked.

This is the same for us today. We have and carry weapons to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

We do not seek lawsuits, but if the dangerous threat comes to us, we protect ourselves.

It is the same with the police and military. As the Bible says in Romans 13: 3-6 - "He does not bear [the] sword in vain."

In conclusion, if you decide not to have a firearm for personal protection as a personal right given by God and noted in the second amendment of the United States Constitution, it is your decision.

But that does not imply that those who do decide to have a firearm are outside of what the Bible or Christianity says. It also applies to Christians serving in the police or military.