I have a question and maybe you older, wiser Christians can help me out here. Is following Jesus supposed to be "safe"? Ok, obviously there's the whole martyr thing. That's not what I mean. I'm talking about every day personal safety stuff.
For instance, a lot of the time when I'm driving, I see a car on the side of the road that has most likely broken down and I feel compelled to stop. The only reason I don't is because all those warnings my parents have instilled in my brain come to mind. "That's a tactic used by serial killers, don't stop if you're by yourself, etc." This seems like practical advice, serial killer or not. However, should that matter? As a Christian, aren't I called to help those I see in need? Should my personal safety be something I take that seriously into consideration?
What about when I see someone walking along the street? Is it dumb to stop and offer them a ride? Or is it what Jesus would have me do?
Or what if, when I move out of my parents house (anyone need a roommate?!), I want to move to a neighborhood that's maybe not the safest. I have friends who live in neighborhoods that aren't considered great. (Granted they're married but still!) I know I can be a light no matter where I go but what if I can better serve in a neighborhood that's not so safe?
People go on missions trips to places that aren't safe. Tribal wars, HIV, wild animals. Why should my life at home be any different?
I was talking to a friend of mine about doing a ministry downtown. There are different areas that you can work. One is going out on the streets from 11 til 1 in the morning and talking to homeless people, getting them to go to shelters and stuff. It's probably the most dangerous one on the list. When I said "let's go!", my friend said "yeah, that's just what I would need. I'd be no good because I'd be checking for you every 10 minutes. "Where's Lauren? Is she ok? Where's Lauren?"" And I understand that he's just being protective and loves me and doesn't want me hurt. But in these situations, I have to ask, where's the trust? If I let fear (esp. other peoples fear) hinder me from serving, am I really doing all I can? I'm not supposed to worry. I realize that people still get hurt. Even if I trust Jesus, I could still get hauled off, raped and killed. But what if that's what it takes for someone? If I do, there's obviously a reason. That wouldn't make it any easier for everyone but I do believe it's the truth. Besides, I'd get to party in heaven with Jesus. ;-)
So am I just being stupid, reckless and irresponsible? (Because that wouldn't be a first!) Or, the next time I see someone who's car is broken down, should I stop and offer them assistance?
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Is Following Jesus Supposed to be Safe?
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5 comments:
Hey Sis... I struggled with pretty much this exact same question several months ago when I was deciding whether to move into the apartment I now live in. I dug up my blog entry about it. Here's my thoughts.
Hey girl... I would have to say that not taking any safety concerns in mind would be reckless. Hear me out though, there is a way to still think of safety while you are trying to help, for instance, when someone is broke down on the side of the road, if it’s a woman try to help, if it’s 3 big burly guys I wouldn’t do it. Basically I think of if I stop, can I take them (get away from them) if I needed to, it’s probably OK to stop. (Usually stick to women, or women with children) it’s being helpful yet keeping safety in mind. (Let a Christian guy stop for the broken down guys) Just the same if you are broke down and someone stops, do you take the ride with 3 big burly guys (HELL NO!!!) but if a woman stops, she’s probably being nice.( I stick to taking rides from women only)Also it wouldn’t hurt if you see someone broke down (a woman) shout a little prayer out before you stop. The night ministry is really probably not such a good idea, leave that for a guy to do that ministry.
I think God does want us to go out in the world and make a difference but I don’t think he wants us to do it blindly. Just like a person would say I’m not going to go to work and that’s OK because God will provide me, I think he will provide, but he’s providing by leading you to that job that you refuse to work at. Same goes for safety, God says I will keep you safe, but don’t jump out of the plane with out a parachute. He has people in your life that are warning you, don’t you think God is telling some of them to warn you?
You said:
Even if I trust Jesus, I could still get hauled off, raped and killed. But what if that's what it takes for someone? If I do, there's obviously a reason. That wouldn't make it any easier for everyone but I do believe it's the truth. Besides, I'd get to party in heaven with Jesus. ;-)
My Response:
What if you live through it, there is no guarantee that you will be joining Jesus for that party right away and then you have to live with the fact that you were Hauled off, rape, and maybe beaten or tortured and left to live. Then you would might possibly be mad at God that he let them do that to you, and you wouldn’t feel safe again, etc....
My point to all this is, yes God wants you to serve him and sometimes it’s not in the safest ways, but he still expects you to use that head that he’s given you and not to serve him blindly. Some of those warning are from God, it is hard to filter what God is telling you and what people are telling you, but I know for sure that God is not telling you to jump in to and not think of safety at all. I know that God is trying to get you to step out of your comfort zone, but not jump out the plane with out your parachute.
Well I hope that this has helped, love MOM
sorry but I have a lot to say....
I would also like to add, that usually mission fields people are called to those jobs and it's not just one person going on their own it's a team of people. It's a little safer in numbers. However it is still dangerous. I guess I think in those situations are you really being called there, if yes then go and try not to worry, if it's just something you want to put on your ministry resume, then no don't go.
As for the neighborhood and it's me in the not so safe area. That's a tough one. I personally don't like where we live, it's more of a money issue is why we are there. I can't tell you to pick a rough area to live just to make yourself a martyr is right, but if it's an expense thing, sure God should protect you. All areas can be bad, even Carmel can have bad people move in and reak havic. (there are still shooting/rapes/roberies in Carmel, just a bit more in Indianapolis) No location is the safest area. However if you pick the worst area just to prove a point (to God, your parents, friends, etc...) then you shouldn't be living there. If it's a money issue, pray that God protects you, I know I do for myself.
My point to this post is, DON"T TEST GOD, listen to him when he leads you, but use your head in all other occations. You need to ask in all unsafe acts "Is God really leading you to Help?" or is he putting it in your head that it's not safe for a reason (to protect you)
Well I should end my rant, I love you and it's a great question. I hope you can read my tone, loving and not judgemental.
love MOM
Hey there I surfed in from the web somehow...
Anyhoot, I think your friends and mom offer some advice but what would settle it for you is to know what God thinks about it and what we can get from His word-- after all its what He says that really matters right?
For example, we all know the story of the good samaritan right? It wasn't written in stone or in black and white but the story and example Jesus used speaks to your question. The Samaritan was a man and he saw a man who needed help. For countless reasons a male should never counsel a female, and female should never counsel a male without someone to hold them both accountable and have full site of the counsel. Likewise, helping the homeless would be ok if you had someone who was with you at all times.
When Jesus sent the disciple's out, did He send them alone? No, they went in pairs.
Peter even carried a sword which he used to try and protect Jesus from being arrested. I'm not saying its right, I'm just saying the disciple's were well guarded to protect themselves and their Lord.
Wisdom is the key. It isn't wise to put yourself in situations knowing that the situation is bad.
Stephen wasn't stoned because he just happened to see a bad incident and got in the way. He had been working in ministry for awhile and as he did was confronted and was stone not because he was Stephen but because of what he spoke by the Holy Spirit.
Does this mean you can't help? No, it just means that you should have wisdom and not the kind from learning the hard way. Sounds to me like you need a mentor.
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