Safety

Most of us may cringe or shake our heads in amazement when we view or hear of tragic happenings to various people when their physical safety has been compromised. There are beatings, knifings, and shootings revealed in graphic visual or descriptive verbal detail. How could this person or persons do such things reported? The best answer is that we live in a fallen world and the actions of fallen people often reveal the brutal choices they make. As Christians, we would like to believe the relationship we share with Jesus will protect us from any physical harm that might come to ourselves or our family – we want physical safety. However, varying degrees of physical illness, pain, and death is a reality for all humans. Jesus told the disciples that following Him would cause them difficulties, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – Jn. 16:33 (ESV). In order to encourage them toward inner peace, He reminded them that regardless what happened around them, or to them, He had overcome the world. Scripture does not include an example of Jesus being physically ill, but while on earth, He suffered emotional pain, and at His crucifixion pain and rejection most of us cannot fully grasp. When we are faced with things that shock and distress us, as Christians, we should be encouraged that we are protected. This protection is not from the evils pervading the world which surrounds us, but is targeted at our spiritual status with God. The indwelling Holy Spirit will protect us from any outside Satanic harm, but should we choose to do things which are spiritually dangerous, He will not overpower our decisions; thus He may not be able to protect us from our own poor decisions. While He will not remove Himself from Christians, He may be very disappointed or grieved because of our actions. “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. – Eph. 4:30-31 (ESV). While there are myriad promises targeted at those who follow Jesus, physical safety is not included in these. We may not even partially understand the reasons God allows bad things to happen to His people, but we can still declare that He is God and He ultimately provides good results. Paul had both physical infirmities (Gal. 6) and abuse (2 Cor. 11), but he was able to look beyond those to not only the promise of heaven, but also how he might help others accompany him to that end. Like Paul, we too, can be certain that eternity with the Jesus is well worth any hardship here on earth. When troubles arise, Christians should try to allow the indwelling Holy Spirit the lead them along their individual unique spiritual journey toward a closer relationship with Jesus. As implied, this journey may be radically different for various people. However, by doing this, we will have greater personal peace and provide a critical example for others to follow. As we depend on the Holy Spirit for guidance, we can experience feelings of safety, spiritual safety, regardless of worldly tribulations.