Only if we give in to temptation

“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.  But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10: 26-33)

Those who want to commit sin do so in darkness or deception. On the other hand, faithful disciples of Jesus should not be afraid to preach the Kingdom of Heaven. The fear that blocks us is based on our mistrust of Jesus. As his disciples, we should fear only those who can lead our souls to eternal death. We should fear, first of all, ourselves and our ambitions and then the devil who leads us to damnation only if we give in to temptation. Let us flee the devil’s temptations with determination and fearlessly proclaim the Word of God.