We all want to keep our families safe. They’ve been entrusted to us, and we would definitely not want anything to happen to them.
We all take different precautions to do this. Some lock doors, some don’t open their windows at night. Others buy weapons for protection, and others simply trust the Lord.
The Bible never tells us not to defend ourselves. It charges us to do our best to keep our loved ones safe, while at the same time promising that nothing will happen that God is not aware of.
The question is, what kind of precautions are good and helpful, and which ones are overboard. The answer, I believe, is found in the environment that you find yourselves in.
One of the reasons that I was glad that God moved us to a new house in a new place was that we did not feel safe in our old house. On multiple occasions I thought about getting a home security system, or at least a camera to keep an eye on things. We had things stolen from the house, and shortly before we left we had a thief jump our six foot fence to flee from the cops.
We’ve never had a break-in, but I’m sure that having a security system at that house would have relieved some of my fears about the sounds we heard.
There are plenty of places out there that will help you have that kind of peace of mind. One such place is Protect America, where if you call their toll-free number (877-470-2751) they will give you a couple of extra keychain remotes if you place an order.
Again, I would trust God, and learn to trust in Him. Yet, at the same time, we must take care of those things that He has entrusted to us.
This is certainly a topic with some gray areas. For Christians there is always the fact of what testimony is being presented. If a Christian walks around with enough guns that they could be a posterboy for Glock…it would appear that they do not trust God. On the other hand taking no precautions whatsoever makes it appear the Christian is presuming upon God’s protection.
“The Bible never tells us not to defend ourselves. It charges us to do our best to keep our loved ones safe, while at the same time promising that nothing will happen that God is not aware of.”
When does the act of taking care of one’s self and/or family cross the line into having a lack of faith? That is for each person to decide. God is faithful and able to protect us from all harm. However, He has also given us the ability to think and to reason. It is my opinion that a person is not demonstrating a lack of trust in God by taking steps to provide for the safely of themselves and their families.
That being said, there are more ways than buying a gun to take steps in the matter of safety. A gun seems to be one of the frontrunners when discussing personal protection. However, having a gun may not be a practical or even a legal option for some people. Other options such as security systems, securing vehicles and residences, being observant of surroundings, and always having a plan should something happen are all ways to take the offensive in ensuring safety.
This issue boils down to common sense. A Christian should be open to the leading of God. Yes, God works in mysterious ways and leads some of His children down hard, dark, dangerious roads. Sometimes He leads His children to turn the other cheek. But for a person to allow harm to come to themselves or to their family simply to exhibit their trust in the protection of God – I find that unwise.
Posted by Dave | May 21, 2009, 11:59 pmI don’t know if you’ve ever had the experience, but I’ve been held up twice in my life. And personally speaking, you know what you’re thinking of when it’s happening? You try to draw a line, beyond which you won’t cooperate. It’s darn dificult, and you hope and pray for God to show you the way.
Posted by Ling | May 23, 2009, 11:05 amI’ve lived in places where I felt unsafe most of the time. Where we are now, I feel basically safe. We live near some people who, its obvious, run drugs. People who are on drugs are likly to do anything. So, when I’m alone, even during the day, the doors are locked. I don’t answer the front door unless I see a car in our driveway that I know, like my mom’s. I simply raise the window near the door a crack so I can see who is at the door and speak to them. I would never let anyone in that I didn’t know (very very well). When I answer the phone for my husband I always say that he can’t come to the phone. My parents taught me to do that with them and I continue to do it now. I also never stick to a routine.
I don’t know if these things seem like I’m over doing it, but when my hubby isn’t around to protect me then I have to work extra hard not to ask for trouble.
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Posted by Bethanie | May 24, 2009, 12:00 am