Do Not Be Afraid!

By Mathew A. Pinson, Georgia United Methodist Foundation President and CEO

Earlier this year, I wrote a short piece on why I believe that loyalty, good common sense, and passion are the three most important traits for a person to embody in their professional and personal life. To remain focused on these three important concepts, I find it essential to remember that fear is the worst form of distraction. Fear causes us to cease being loyal. Fear makes us walk away from good common sense, and fear stands in the way of our ability to live into our God-inspired passions.

During Advent—a season of holy waiting—I am trying my best to remember that fear is dangerous. God recognizes this truth, which is why I believe that God first sends the angels each and every time God breaks into the world. The angels always proclaim, “Do not be afraid!”

I love hearing the children read these lines from the second chapter of Luke:

9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."

As we prepare for Christmas, I invite you to walk away from fear and encourage others to do the same. Walk away from fear and walk toward the life we are called to live together in the joy of Christ, the Messiah, the Lord!

Know that we at the Georgia United Methodist Foundation give thanks to God for each of you and for the ways we elevate and advance the mission of the church together.

May HOPE, JOY, PEACE, and LOVE be yours this holy season and always!