In John 9, Jesus healed a blind man. The man was brought to some Pharisees for questioning, as were his parents. His parents confirmed he was their son, but said “how he now sees, we don’t know; or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. He is of age. Ask him. He will speak for himself” (verse 21).
Verses 22-23 explain, “His parents said these things because they feared the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that if any man would confess Him as Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, ‘He is of age. Ask him.’”
They were fearful of fallible (and in this case, wrong) men. Such fear can hinder one from pleasing God.
Men, including religious men, are often wrong. Those who stand for the truth stand opposed not only to the majority of mankind (Matt. 7:13-14), but to many who think they are pleasing God (Matt. 7:21).
Instead of fearing the opposition that comes by standing for truth, we must fear what will come if we don’t stand for truth.
It is better to be opposed by men in our brief time on earth than to oppose God and be cast away from Him for eternity. May we share the faith of David, who said, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).
– Michael Hickox