De Timore

Recently, while listening to a Christian economic expert discussing how Christians ought to view the economy, I noticed the person's use of the term "Rational Fear".  What does this mean?  According to his usage, it refers to a fear which has a legitimate basis.  Is this actually a  Biblical idea for a Christian to have such a fear?  Though many may not know it, this issue of fear is crucial to how Christians live their lives.
First of all, what is fear?  Fear, to quote Noah Webster,
     " In scripture, is used to express a filial or a slavish passion. In good men, the fear of God is a holy awe or reverence of God and his laws, which springs from a just view and real love of the divine character, leading the subjects of it to hate and shun every thing that can offend such a holy being, and inclining them to aim at perfect obedience. This is filial fear.  Slavish fear is the effect or consequence of guilt; it is the painful apprehension of merited punishment."
Let us consider these two types of fear.  Slavish fear is caused by guilt and a knowledge that one will be punished for wrong-doing.  In this case, one has sinned and should ask for forgiveness and God promises to forgive.  If one "fears" that God has not forgiven, then he doubts God and has sinned (I john 1:9), and should again ask for forgiveness.  As for "filial fear", this is reserved to God only (Deut. 6:13).  If we give this fear to any one or anything else, we have committed idolatry and  sinned and so must ask for pardon.  So we see that both types of fear should not be found in Christians except in relation to God.  If it is given to anything else, it marks sin and a lack of trust in God.  
But what about recognizing evil and feeling anxiety over it?  First, Feeling anxiety shows a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and is a sin. We cannot always avoid anxiety, but as Luther said, "necessity does not imply ability."  Second, recognizing evil is not a sin.  Anxiety is a sin, but apprehension of risks, dangers, etc. is not evil in itself.  If it leads to despondence or anxiety, then it, is but recognizing danger is both wise and required in order to be a responsible Christian.
And therein lies the error in the notion of "rational fear".  What is really meant by this is apprehension, not fear.  This should not be another sin to avoid on our vast list.  It should be both liberating and comforting.  As David said in Psalm 23, "I will fear no evil".  This should free us to leave God in control and not deceive ourselves into thinking we are, as well as make us have a renewed realization that God is sovereign over all things and that worrying will help nothing.  No matter ow much we dread some evil, it will still happen or it will not.  In the end, God controls all and promises to protect us; "The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul." (Psalm 121:7) And that is a comforting thought.