Christ With Coffee On Ice Episode: What People Think of You Doesn't Matter
Host: Ally Yost
Release Date: December 20, 2024

Overview

In this heartfelt episode of Christ With Coffee On Ice, host Ally Yost delves deep into the pervasive issue of caring excessively about others' opinions—a concept she identifies as the "fear of man." Through personal anecdotes, scriptural references, and profound insights, Ally encourages listeners to prioritize their relationship with Christ over societal approval. The episode is a blend of vulnerability, raw honesty, and hopeful encouragement, aligning perfectly with the show's mission to explore life's obstacles through the lens of walking with Christ.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. The Struggle with Caring About Others' Opinions

Ally begins the episode by opening up about her personal battle with the fear of man. She reflects on how societal opinions can deeply affect one's self-worth and spiritual journey.

• Ally Yost [01:30]: "Caring so much about what people have to say about us or what they think of us... it's like a double-edged sword."

Ally emphasizes that while fearing man is a common struggle, acknowledging it is the first step toward overcoming it.

2. Understanding "Fear of Man" Through Scripture

Ally defines "fear of man" as the desperate quest for others' approval, contrasting it with fearing God. She references biblical passages to highlight the dangers of prioritizing human opinions over divine truth.

• Ally Yost [03:15]: "Fear of man can lead to spiritual dryness, irrational anxiety, and emotional isolation."

She breaks down the Bible's perspective, citing verses that warn against the snare of fearing man and encourage trust in the Lord.

• Proverbs 29:25: "The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."
• Hebrews 12:1: "The fear of man is a closely clinging sin... we must lay it aside."

3. Personal Experiences and Divine Guidance

Ally shares her experiences with fear of man, particularly how public exposure through her podcast and merchandise triggered these fears. She recounts a pivotal moment during her private time with God, where she sought clarity and received two crucial insights:

1. Remembering Who Jesus Is:

   • Ally Yost [05:45]: "Jesus is spotless and perfect... He approves of me."

   She realizes that forgetting Jesus's perfection and approval led her to seek validation elsewhere.

2. Contrasting Jesus with Fallible Humans:

   • Ally Yost [09:20]: "These people never died for me... they don't compare to Jesus who died for us."

This contrast reinforces the futility of seeking approval from imperfect humans when Jesus's approval is steadfast and sacrificial.

4. Biblical Examples Illustrating Fear of Man

To illustrate the destructive nature of fearing man, Ally references biblical stories:

• Barabbas vs. Jesus: Highlighting how the crowd chose to release a known criminal over the sinless Jesus, emphasizing misplaced values.

  • Ally Yost [17:50]: "The crowd wanted Barabbas freed and Jesus crucified... similar to how we sometimes prioritize human approval over divine truth."

• King Saul's Downfall: Saul's envy of David's popularity led him to make poor decisions, ultimately resulting in his loss of the kingdom.

  • Ally Yost [21:30]: "Saul feared David's growing popularity, leading him to pursue David's destruction, which was against God's will."

These examples serve as warnings of the consequences that arise from succumbing to the fear of man.

5. Consequences of Fearing Man

Ally outlines several repercussions of prioritizing human opinions:

• Spiritual Dryness: A sense of disconnectedness from God.

• Irrational Anxiety: Persistent and unfounded worries about others' judgments.

• Emotional Isolation: Withdrawing from meaningful relationships.

• Bad Decisions and Sin: Compromising values to gain approval.

• Denial of Christ: Prioritizing human approval over divine obedience.

• Ally Yost [15:00]: "Fearing man can lead to denying Christ... it's like what Peter did when he denied Jesus three times."

6. Overcoming Fear of Man: Practical Steps

Ally provides a structured approach to overcoming the fear of man, grounded in spiritual practices:

1. Acknowledging the Fear:

   • Ally Yost [32:10]: "Acknowledging that it's there and saying, 'God, yes, I do have fear of man.'"

2. Rebuilding the Mindset Through Scripture and the Spirit:

   • Ally Yost [33:25]: "Rebuild your mindset through the Word and the Spirit of God by immersing yourself in scripture."

3. Putting Trust in the Lord:

   • Ally Yost [34:50]: "Put your trust in God... He is the ultimate provider and never abandons you."

4. Repentance:

   • Ally Yost [34:30]: "Repentance is crucial. Admit your struggle and ask for God's strength to overcome it."

These steps are designed to realign one's priorities with God's will, diminishing the overpowering need for human validation.

7. Emphasizing God's Provision and Approval

Ally reinforces the importance of recognizing God as the ultimate provider and the only source of true approval. By trusting in God's provision, believers can resist the temptation to compromise their values for societal acceptance.

• Ally Yost [23:15]: "Remember that God is our provider... trust that He will supply all our needs."

She highlights that God's consistent support makes the approval of others insignificant in comparison.

8. Final Encouragement and Scriptural Affirmations

Before concluding, Ally shares several Bible verses to bolster the message against fearing man:

• Isaiah 12:2: "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust him and not be afraid."
• Psalm 118:6: "Now I know that the Lord is for me; I shall not fear what man can do to me."
• Isaiah 51:16: "Who are you that you should be afraid of?"

These scriptures serve as reminders of God's unwavering support and the futility of fearing human opinions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ally Yost [05:45]: "Jesus is spotless and perfect... He approves of me."
• Ally Yost [09:20]: "These people never died for me... they don't compare to Jesus who died for us."
• Ally Yost [15:00]: "Fearing man can lead to denying Christ... it's like what Peter did when he denied Jesus three times."
• Ally Yost [17:50]: "The crowd wanted Barabbas freed and Jesus crucified... similar to how we sometimes prioritize human approval over divine truth."
• Ally Yost [21:30]: "Saul feared David's growing popularity, leading him to pursue David's destruction, which was against God's will."
• Ally Yost [23:15]: "Remember that God is our provider... trust that He will supply all our needs."
• Ally Yost [32:10]: "Acknowledging that it's there and saying, 'God, yes, I do have fear of man.'"
• Ally Yost [33:25]: "Rebuild your mindset through the Word and the Spirit of God by immersing yourself in scripture."
• Ally Yost [34:30]: "Repentance is crucial. Admit your struggle and ask for God's strength to overcome it."
• Ally Yost [34:50]: "Put your trust in God... He is the ultimate provider and never abandons you."

Conclusions and Takeaways

Ally Yost's episode serves as a compassionate and spiritually enriching guide for listeners grappling with the fear of man. By intertwining personal experiences with biblical teachings, she effectively illustrates the pitfalls of seeking human approval and the liberation found in prioritizing Christ's approval. The practical steps she outlines offer a roadmap for believers to realign their lives with God's will, fostering a deeper, more resilient faith.

Listeners are left with a reinforced understanding that while human opinions may be fleeting and often flawed, God's unwavering support and approval are the bedrock of their spiritual journey. The encouragement to embrace repentance, trust in God's provision, and continually immerse oneself in scripture provides actionable paths to overcoming the pervasive fear of man.

Final Encouragement

Ally wraps up the episode with a motivational call to live boldly for Christ, urging listeners to embody Jesus's example by not fearing human judgment. She emphasizes the importance of showing the world "how cool Jesus is" by maintaining faith and obedience despite societal pressures.

• Ally Yost [35:37]: "Let's show someone how cool Jesus is today. Be like him and not fear what people have to say."

This empowering message serves as a fitting close to an episode dedicated to dismantling the fear of man and fostering a stronger, more intimate relationship with Christ.

Note: This summary excludes the advertisement segments interspersed throughout the transcript, focusing solely on the core content and spiritual teachings presented by Ally Yost.