Increasing Security

We have had a problem at our church building for the past few years, which seems to be getting worse instead of better. Folks are leaving doors to different parts of the facility unlocked. It varies by days of the week and times of the day. We speculate that folks just don't remember to lock up after themselves when they leave, but it makes you wonder if there is something more sinister going on. Could someone outside of our members have gotten a key?

There is no denying that security has become a major concern in our world today. Each of us tends to be a little more cautious with our personal security. We make sure we lock our cars and our homes; we install alarms (and try to remember to set them). We are told that in our community, crime has risen by 14% in the past few months, (mainly breaking into homes).

I understand, from those who are suppose to know, that no matter how hard you try and secure your stuff, there are always weaknesses in your preparations. Someone who is an experienced thief will find those weaknesses and exploit them to get you stuff if they really want it.

What are we to do? What can you do, when you've done everything you can to secure your stuff or even your own safety and it's not enough? Who do you trust in then?

As a Christian you know the answer already, you trust in God.

I love the story about Thomas Edison when a fire completely destroyed his research facility. His son found him watching the blaze destroy everything he had created. Rather than dwelling upon the destruction he told his son, "Go and get your mother, she'll never see another fire like this as long as she lives." 

He of course picked up the pieces of his life and laboratories and went on to invent even more wonderful things.

In Matthew 6:19-21 we read: "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." (NLT)

Maybe we need to stop and ask ourselves, "Just what is it in this world in which I really trust?" In Matthew 28:20, after giving directions as to what he expects his followers to do, he makes this promise: "And be sure of this: I am with you always". (NLT) I will continue to trust in the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth (Ephesians 3:15).