Jesus said we should not fear what can kill the body, but what can kill the soul. We should not fear the “violent” inner cities but the suburbs which can eat away and numb our souls with complacency and comfort.
Okay, Jesus actually said “who” can kill, not “what” can kill. The principle still applies. I suspect the root of the fear is actually a love of physical comfort and safety which are often coupled with a love of money. If we become involved in “dangerous” and needy places, it will place a burden on our resources, time, and money. Why risk all that when we can simply minister in the ‘burbs?
Luke 12:4-5
4 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.”
Luke 16:9-15
9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?
13 “No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”
14 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. 15 He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight.
