“DO NOT THINK LIKE EVERYONE ELSE DOES”

This is what the Lord says to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people: “Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it.” —Isaiah 8:11, 12

After Ahaz had entered into an unhealthy alliance with the king of Assyria, God warned the people that Assyria would soon overwhelm the nation of Judah.

But even then, His message to Isaiah and to those who remained faithful to God was that they need not be afraid. “The LORD has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does” was the message Isaiah delivered (Isaiah 8:11, NLT).

In a world dominated by fear and a culture in which conspiracy theories spread like a virus online and through social media—a culture in which even some preachers trade on sensationalism and fear—this seems to be a voice we need to hear again: Do not “think like everyone else does.” Fear is not a feature of our faith; rather, our faith must always be larger than our fears. When conspiracy thinking panders to our pre-existing fears and prejudices, we need to be particularly discerning. Fear is a powerful motivation, but it usually dissipates quickly, so it needs to be constantly stoked and heightened by those who want to use it. However, fear is not a good motivator and does not bring out our best.

Fear does not make us more loving, joyful, peaceful, peacemaking, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, or self-controlled (see Galatians 5:22, 23).

So, do not think like everyone else does.

Do not waste time and energy on supposed conspiracies.

Do not fear what other people fear.

Instead, “make the LORD of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. . . . He will keep you safe” (Isaiah 8:13, 14, NLT).