Introduction
Jesus did not rule out the fact that humans need bread to survive. But He emphasized that man shall not live by it alone. There are a number of needs that humans depend on for their survival. In this edition of our Newsletter, the need for security or human safety is discussed.
Security
Security, in this thesis, refers to the protection, effectual defense and safety from any kind of danger. It is the freedom from fear or apprehension as described by Webster. The Lord God assures His people of bread and security. It is not enough to fill one’s stomach with food and leave him or her in the perils of wild beasts or irresponsible and violent creatures. People must, therefore, be protected, defended and sheltered from every form of evil.
God promises us with two basic needs of food and safety. He informs us that:
“Wherefore ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; and ye shall dwell in the land in safety. And the land shall yield her fruit, and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety” (Lev 25:18-19).
God promises the poor and the needy with safety from those who threaten them (Psa 12:5). David, knowing well of the security that God provides His people, writes that God will both lay him down in peace, and he would sleep because the LORD makes him dwell in safety (Psa 4:8).
Humans should not sleep fearing that they would be attached by unscrupulous and violent peoples or beasts. The safety that God provides is comprehensive because it traverses the physical as well as the spiritual. Believers have been provided with very powerful and effective spiritual weapons to defend and protect themselves, as well as to offend their adversaries (read Eph 6:10-18).
Notwithstanding the above assurances from God, it behooves parents to ensure the safety of their children. Political leaders also ought to provide good leadership by enacting all relevant laws and policies to ensure that the citizens live in safety. In this same manner, governments must task all employers to provide safe working environments for their employees to work in. Individuals must also endeavor to ensure their own safety as they interact with each other and their ambiance.
Conclusion
God does not only supply His people with bread but also with safety because it is needless to eat to your fill and continue to live in fear and panic. The safety of everyone is the responsibility of all citizens, viz: parents, governments, groups, and individuals.
Prayer: May the good Lord protect you and cause you to live in safety, now and evermore. AMEN!