Why We Might Be Trying Too Hard To Be Safe

There is something more important than being physically safe.

Some of the hardest moments in my life were watching my children being whisked off into the sterile environment of a surgical room. All four had been under the skillful hands of a surgeon at least once in their lives.

Each time I would have gladly switched places with them. As a mother I’d do almost anything to keep my children safe and pain free.

However, there is one area in their lives where safety should not be paramount: their faith.

Bold Not Safe

As persecutions of Christians increase around the globe, we’re faced with the stark reality that to be bold for Christ can be uncomfortable, even dangerous. The “safe” answer, then, is to be silent in our faith.

Yet Jesus is clear we are not to keep the Good News to ourselves. It must be shared. 

“Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.” Psalm 105:1

Just as the apostles sacrificed their safety to share the good news of the fulfilling work of Jesus Christ, so must we be willing to do the same.

Professing and living out our faith is not always safe, but that should never be a reason to compromise. Truth should never be exchanged for security.

Professing and living out our faith is not always safe, but that should never be a reason to compromise. Truth should never be exchanged for security. Share on X

Because security is no substitute for a faith-lived life. When we “play it safe” we miss out on the blessings of serving the Lord where He calls.

When we play it safe we miss out on the blessings of serving the Lord where He calls. Share on X

Three Lessons On Stepping Out Boldly

Queen Esther sought security when asked to confront her husband, the king, on behalf of the Israelites. In response, her uncle Mordecai imparted words of wisdom for all of us to heed.

“Don’t think that you will escape the fate of all the Jews because you are in the king’s palace.¹⁴ If you keep silent at this time, liberation and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father’s house will be destroyed. Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.” Esther 4:13-14

Since most of us are not royalty, it is tempting to think these words do not pertain to us. We couldn’t be more mistaken. Listen, friends, to Mordecai’s golden nuggets. They are for you and me, just as they were for the lovely Esther.

1. Don’t think that you will escape the fate of all the Jews. If we are Christians, we have an obligation to boldly profess such. Hiding in silence will be far worse than being bold for our faith. We may experience less bodily persecution, but spiritually we will suffer.
2. If you keep silent at this time, liberation and deliverance will come … from another place. God has a plan. He wants you to be a part of it, but whether you agree or not, His plan will be carried out. You can choose to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands or not; no matter His will will be done!
3. Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this. God’s timing is perfect. He wants to use you to further His Kingdom. Whatever your position in life, you are called to boldly serve the Lord in that place.

As much as our flesh screams for security and protection (as Esther’s did), God calls us to be willing to forsake temporary safety to reap eternal blessings.

Our flesh screams for security, but God calls us to be willing to forsake temporary safety to reap eternal blessings. Share on X

Walk In Amen

It’s natural to want to be safe, to keep our loved ones safe. In fact, in many aspects it is the loving thing to do.

But when safety takes precedence over obedience,

when it silences the sharing of the good news,

when it’s valued more than Truth …

it becomes a stumbling block to spiritual growth and must be sacrificed.

When the desire to be safe silences the sharing of the good news, it becomes a stumbling block to spiritual growth. Share on X

Like you, I want my children safe, but more importantly I want them to be willing disciples of the Lord.

I want my children safe, but more importantly I want them to be willing disciples of the Lord. Share on X

I want them to desire His will in their lives more than they aspire to comfort and ease.

I want them to be willing to risk all for Him.

More than anything I want my children to boldly say Amen, and then willingly and confidently walk out that Amen.

Every day l whisper prayers of protection for my children. But even more so, even with my last breath, I will pray for strength of conviction and passion for the truth of the Lord to fill their hearts … and mine.

For only at the bosom of the Lord is true safety found.

Only at the bosom of the Lord is true safety found. Share on X

“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will find it.” Matthew 16:25

Your Turn

Reflections: Do you struggle with being bold in your faith? If so, what holds you back? If not, why not? (Answer in the comments. Let’s encourage each other to be strong ambassadors for Christ.) 

I’m thrilled to link up with Suzie Eller for #livefreeThursday and this week’s prompt, “safe” as well as Bonnie Gray from Faith Barista. I love these special linkups. They provide an abundance of great inspiration and encouragement all in one place. Click on the image below to check them out.