Where Is Safety and Security?

(New York: Pocket Books, 1986), 48.

Ill- In the cartoon "Peanuts" Linus says of his security blanket "Only one yard of outing flannel stands between me and a nervous breakdown"

C. We tell ourselves the lie that safety can be found in power.
Ill- Several years ago I saw a television program about survivalists. These survivalist groups store up food, ammunition and other supplies in anticipation of some catastrophic event they foresee. I once met a survivalist in a store in New Orleans. He was purchasing all sorts of survival gear. He told me if it came down to him or other people, he would survive. He thought power was the answer.

2. Let’s consider the price we are willing to pay for safety and security.

A. Our answers are often foolish.
Ill- This past week there was much talk about gas shortages. Many people were rushing to buy gas in case there was a shortage. The concept of hoarding is somewhat foolish. Why? What are we going to do once the hoarded product is gone? If there is a shortage, there is a shortage! There is nothing we can do about it.
Ill- There was an example of foolishness in New Orleans this week. The media showed hundreds of pictures of looters. Have you thought about how foolish it was to be looting in that environment? There was no place to carry what you looted?

B. Our answers lead us into slavery.
Ill- This month we are in the middle of a money management study. One of the key verses pertaining to money management is Prov. 22:7 “the borrower is servant to the lender.” Sometimes in our search to find security and safety we borrow money we cannot afford to repay. When that happens we become a slave to our lender.

3. Let’s consider the truth about safety and security.

Obedience to God is the ultimate security. In our text the Israelites were willing to live as slaves in order to have food on the table. However, to live in Egypt was to disobey God. Moses knew that ultimate security depended upon obeying God and following His will for your life.

Ill- Jim Elliot a missionary who was killed in South America in the late 50’s said: “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.”

Ill- One of our founding fathers knew the wisdom of this concept. “It must be felt that there is no national security but in the nation’s humble acknowledged dependence upon God and His overruling providence." (John Adams (SOURCE: Presidential Prayer Team Update for March 21, 2003)

Ill- Our Heavenly Father is our only security. This was illustrated in a special way at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. Derek Redmond of Great Britain was on the way to fulfilling a lifetime dream, that of winning a gold medal in the Olympics. He had earned a spot in the semifinals of the 400 meter race, and as the gun sounded to start the race, Derek got off to a great start. He was running the race of his life, and the finish line was in sight, when suddenly he felt a stab of pain in his right leg. He feel face first to the track with a torn hamstring. The race was over for Derek.

He struggled to his feet before the medical team could reach him. Though every runner had passed him, he began hopping forward, tears of pain and disappointment streaking his face, determined to finish the race. Suddenly, a man plowed through the security guards on the sidelines and ran onto the track.

He raced up to