Luke 14:33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. NKJV
The Breaking of Security’s Shackles
The possession of security is a thing of great comfort. I have identified a handful of security items which I believe we all strive to maintain:-1. Job security
2. Housing security
3. Financial security
4. Relationship security
5. Health security
The first four of these items of security are paramount possessions in our Evangelical circles, health security however, though greatly desired among we conservative believers, carries amongst us, a grudging expectancy of loss. Nevertheless, it would be nice to possess such security. Despite the latter so often being out of our reach, the truth is that most of us Evangelicals spend our lives, servicing, maintaining and striving after these five items of security and oh my goodness, the high Protestant price tag we attach to such man- made Godly respectability is gigantic!
It is very true however, that the pursuance and maintenance of such five-fold security does not really allow for change and if that is the case then it rarely allows for real spiritual expansion, for when God comes to us and says “Leave, forsake, give, sacrifice, grow,” we say “Lord, hell no, we wont go! You’ve got to be kidding,” and most church leaders, whilst clutching franticly to their own five item bill fold in their baggy trousered pocket, will agree with your conclusions, though in more respectable terms of course.
I wonder then if in this respect, such shining securities become to us nothing but shackles! Now if I am correct, we need to be a little concerned about this because Jesus is very much into the shattering of shackles and therefore the shattering of our seeming securities. Sometimes, all five at once!
A fine Christian businessman spoke with me this morning. His company like many others in this global village is struggling with cheaper Chinese imports. It looks as though his company might not last the year. Now concerning this matter I was impressed with both his heart and his hope for he said to me, “Robert, sometimes you need change forced upon you because security sets in and you find it very difficult to change?” This man might well have been in the process of closing down his factory but I tell you, he was planning for some real spiritual expansion.
I have no doubt that in this coming year change will be forced upon many of us and maybe even upon you. Some of your securities, maybe even all of them will be shattered before your shaking ankles. In this God wants you released. In this, God wants you to grow. So why not make a covenant with your mouth right now to stop all the whining and to start all the praising. Thus you shall save bleeding the ears of others watching on and salve your own heart with a certain hope of the goodness of God toward you in Christ Jesus. God is for you and don’t you ever forget it. Now, go and grow some. Expand both your faith and your horizons.
Listen: - “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” Luke 14:34-35 NKJV
Pray:- Now Lord, tonight, give me peace as You take Your hammer to those things which bind me. May Your mercy and Your joy become the music of my shackle-broken dance, in Jesus name I pray, amen!
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