The Allure of a Good, Safe Life

The desire for a good, safe life is alluring. But are those traits the hallmark of stories from Scripture…or the stories from Hallmark movies?

The desire for safety is understandable. We want to protect those we love and do what we can to stay out of harm’s way. But pursuing a life with God requires that we also release control and step out in faith for who and what matters most. This was the case for everyone from Noah, Daniel, and Esther, to Mary, Paul, and Jesus. Especially Jesus. As Scripture reminds us: For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT)

Just as safety can’t be our main priority, neither can a good life. At least if by “good” we mean comfortable—or that we are good because we embrace what culture dictates as good. Being good isn’t bad. It just isn’t good enough. The goal is to be holy: But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16 NLT)

Playing it safe is different from experiencing God’s protection in the storm. A good life is different from the deep inner work of a holy life. Our ultimate hope is not in this life, but in the one to come: Here on earth we do not have a city that lasts forever, but we are looking for the city that we will have in the future. (Hebrews 13:14 NCV). May we risk our best for what matters most!

This reading was crafted to encourage your pursuit of story and creativity with God. Your donation makes this crowd-funded initiative possible. You can support it via PAYPAL (or by check to Allen Arnold at PO Box 62841, Colorado Springs, CO 80962).

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