My title is False Security vs Real Security
I spent one day this past week (Thursday) at a Church Safety and Security Seminar. I learned about security with doors; active shooters; identifying potential problems and people; child safety and security while in the children’s area; weekly office safety; and a whole bunch of other safety and security issues. They talked about having a security team designated each week that patrols the grounds, stays alert and communicates with others. While we are okay on some things-like sign-in and check out of the young children and locking doors-we are so not up to snuff on some things.
Psalm 118:8-9 hit home to me as I read it this morning: “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.”
It is no secret we all try (and that includes those who say they are Christ-followers) to find refuge in things that are fleeting. Various psalms remind us that we are to take refuge under his wings. Psalm 91:1 speaks about the one who dwells in the shelter of the Most High. Psalm 40:4 says, “Blessed is the man who makes the Lord His trust.” The theme verse for this blog is Psalm 27:1- “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” There are countless more verses which follow this prescription.
Here is my take: While we need to be prepared for all that may happen, both real and scenario-wise, we must not lean too heavily on our own man-made efforts. In life. In our spiritual lives especially. All “man stuff” will come crumbling down and will not protect me from storms. The storms which rattle my spiritual cage will only stand when my trust is in the Father; the Unmovable One. The Unshakeable One. The Rock of Refuge. The Rock that won’t roll.
“Father, true safety and security is only found in you. Let me not build a system that will crumble and fall but one that will stand because you will stand.”
With all the evils that have befallen church communities while worshiping, there is no harm in looking at practical ways to ensure the safety of the congregation. But you are so right here, Bill, that God is our refuge and our strength, a present help in times of trouble. May we reach out for the rock that doesn’t roll, as you said.
Blessings!
It is always good to be prepared but certainly not to put your trust in things lock, stock and barrel.
I tend to put the topic on par with most other areas of life… God has provided a brain in our heads to use. Take precautions… not because of fear, our future is secure… but taking precautions because it is Biblical. Defending the weak and innocent is the responsibility of Christians as well. That being said, if the process causes disruption with the primary purpose of gathering to worship God… Then it shouldn’t be done.
I agree with you Ryan. God has given us a brain and we need to use it. I like your idea of taking precautions because it is biblical not out of fear.
A few years ago, when I was a deacon at our church, we had training on what to do in the event of an attack during worship services or other activity at the church. It was then that I realized that there are two tragedies that happen. The first is the tragedy of the dead and injured. The second is the tragedy of the fear instilled in people’s hearts and minds. Strangers become suspicious. Someone acting slightly “different” needs to be watched. Visitors become suspects. It can be corrosive.
Unfortunately, you are right Glynn. There are victims in both cases. Innocence is most definitely lost today. Sad we have to even do this.