We had a couple visiting in October who were passing through and stayed for our fellowship dinner after the morning service. He had been a pastor for 30 years whose first wife died, and then married a widow whom he had met almost 50 years earlier when they were working in a ministry together as singles. They were delightful and very encouraging. [One of the blessings of Pot Trust is the opportunity to invite visitors to dine with us and to subsequently be blessed by them and this was just such an event.]
In the course of the conversation, he made a comment about the “idolatry of safety” which got me thinking – MUSING!
First, what is idolatry? One dictionary describes it as extreme admiration or reverence for something. Another speaks of it as worship of or devotion to. Yet another is the worship of something as if it were a god.
Idolatry is making something so important as to look to it for hope, security, direction or well-being – somewhat the things that a person would expect from God.
Then what is “safety”? One dictionary: protection from risk, danger or injury. Another: freedom from harm or danger (Merriam Webster). A third: a concept that includes all measures and practices taken to preserve the life, health, and bodily integrity of individuals (safeopedia).
Safety is a well-being both now and for the days ahead.
So, is the concept of an “Idolatry of Safety” logical? Possible? True? I think, Yes!
One of the marks of the man under the curse is fear. After Adam and Eve disobeyed, they ran to hide as God was coming – they were afraid! Why were they afraid? God had warned of consequences and there was no reason to disbelieve Him. They knew they were not safe!
Today man lives in fear – fear of cancer, fear of death, fear of the IRS, fear of COVID, fear of not having enough for a rainy day or for retirement. Parents have a fear of a child dying or being kidnapped or marrying wrong or getting into drugs. People have a fear of losing their job, their joy, or their friends. Men live in FEAR!
And because of that fear, man is willing to work for reduced wages in order to have great health insurance or a good 401 plan. Man spends money on home security, life insurance, guns with carry permits and range time, and even union dues for job protection. Man is consumed with fear and fear causes sleeplessness, spending, and sacrifice.
Therefore, safety does become an idol – a form of a god. Safety is desired, loved, sacrificed for, and so very important. Safety becomes a god and man spends much money, work, and pondering to make Safety happen.
Rather than safety being idolized, the Creator God of the Bible should be the sole focus for God is the source for true and absolute safety.
He is our rear guard – Isaiah 58:8
He is our defense and our shield – Psalm 18:30
He is able – Ephesians 3:20
He is the Lord of all, even of Satan – Colossians 2:10
He protects – Psalm 121:6
a PK Musing 
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