2 Opposite Signals of Danger and What to Do

The most obvious signal of danger is fear. I wrote about the 3 types of fear here. A lot of fear is unhealthy and keeps us bound up by the enemy. But there is a good type of fear.

Fear Means “Move Back”

When the threat is real, healthy fear is a God-given emotion that warns us of danger. God designed a special part of our brains, called the amygdala, for this very reason. Among other emotional responses, our amygdala triggers our fear response to danger.

A hot stove. Fire. Deep water. A rattlesnake. Legitimate danger causes fear which backs us away from the danger. It’s a pre-programmed response from God to keep us safe. There are legitimate things, and unfortunately people, to be afraid of and avoid. This is actually godly wisdom.

“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.”
Proverbs 22:3 and 27:12

Whenever God’s book of wisdom, Proverbs, says something twice, I pay attention. It’s godly wisdom to move back from a legitimate danger.

So, practically speaking, what are some dangers we should move back from?

Self-destructive and sinful behavior, obviously. Drugs. Sex outside of marriage. Driving 100 mph. Alcoholism.

Sometimes just declaring a boundary for yourself, I call them personal life-rules, is a great way of moving back. For example, alcoholism runs in my family. Janet and I enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, or I’ll have a beer after working outside on a hot, sunny day. But I have a personal life-rule that I never drink when I’m sad. I don’t even go there. And that decision keeps me safe from falling into alcoholism, which I recognize as a generational vulnerability.

Ok, what else? Irresponsible behavior. If you have a job, the thought of not showing up for work for a week and not telling anyone probably brings up fear. That would be a dumb thing to do. You might not have a job when you again decide to grace them with your presence.

And truly dangerous stuff. Like driving 50 mph on ice. Slowing down is a great way to move back from the danger.

Ok then, if fear means “move back,” should God’s people always be on the run? This world is really scary. Should we be constantly running and hiding from crisis to crisis, hopeless victims in desperate search of safety?

No, of course not. That’s why God gave us anger.

Anger Means “Move Forward”

Healthy anger is also a God-given emotion that signals danger. But, unlike fear, the godly response to anger is to move forward, toward the danger.

How dare that rattlesnake come into my yard and threaten my family! Give me that hoe!

Anger moves us forward. It drives us to address the source, to deal with the issue. God made anger to be such a powerful emotion so that, in the right circumstances, it can override our fear and move us forward. Godly anger drives us forward to bring the Kingdom of God solution into a situation that desperately needs it.

Anger is a godly response to an injustice.

Anger goes wrong when we either (1) misjudge what’s really an injustice, or (2) have an ungodly response.

So what should we be angry about? Whatever God has given us the resources, ability, and calling to change for the better. (Often, the resources and ability come after we step out in our calling.)

Social justice issues, obviously. Godly, Kingdom-of-God solutions come from the church. They emphasize godly principles like personal responsibility balanced with grace and helpful, loving community. (Aside: Beware of politicians who just whip up your anger only to get your vote over issues they have no intention of solving; that would take away their power base. Some politicians in political parties in America do this.)

Protecting the innocent within our power to protect and rescue. Harm in our family, and to our family. Abuse.

Godly anger moves us forward to do something and get involved. We can’t just let it ride.

Fear and Anger Can Work Together

Often, fear and anger can work together. This is God’s design. It doesn’t have to be an either/or. In the Kingdom, it’s a both/and.

When something scary happens, our fear initially moves us back, out of harm’s way. But then, when we’ve had a moment to think and get over the initial shock, our anger moves us forward to deal with the problem.

Your Turn

Does this resonate? When has fear moved you back and anger driven you forward? Tell us your story in the comments. And please share this post if it will bless others.

FYI, I learned this concept from Emily P. Freeman on her podcast, “The Next Right Thing.” It is an excellent, practical view of life from a Christian perspective. She usually has short episodes (<15 minutes). I highly recommend it.