Interacting with Other People – Part 9
Categories: Bulletin Articles Tags: Interacting with Other People
Many people justify being alone with their concern for “safety.” We may think that we are “safe” when we are alone, but this is giving Satan opportunity to tempt us. It was when Jesus was alone that Satan hurled his greatest temptations at Him (Matthew 4:1-11). Moreover, being “safe” is not what God wants from us. He wants us to take risks for the sake of the gospel. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16). How can we be a light to the world if we are hiding it under a basket? Was it “safe” for Jesus to let His light shine? John tells us, “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed” (John 3:19-20).
There is a proper place for safety, but we must not use it as an excuse not to exercise our God given responsibilities. Remember the excuses given for “safety” in the book of Proverbs. “The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets” (Proverbs 22:13), and “The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets” (Proverbs 26:13). God condemns this kind of thinking as slothful or lazy. “Safety” is not a good reason for not interacting with other people.
God bless you and I love you.
Kevin Cauley