Safety first. The concept permeates us. Before we make a decision, we often think "safety first."
For example, we get in our car, "safety first" - we put on our seat belts, drive the speed limit (sometimes), utilize defensive driving, and keep our car in good shape. We lift weights, "safety first" - we get a spotter, wear a belt, put clamps on the bar, and lift with proper form. We get injured, "safety first" - we get first aid, call a doctor, take medicine, and prevent it from happening again. With most of the activities that we do, we think "safety first."
For the most part this is a pretty good mindset, but, unfortunately, we adopt this mindset to our spiritual lives. I submit that we should reverse this thought to "safety last, Jesus first."
As Christians, most of us live life in hopes of arriving at death safely. I'm not suggesting that you become reckless, but instead prioritize on Jesus above safety.
WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
When I was in middle school, I once arrived home from a friend's house with just enough time to change clothes and make a trip to basketball practice. I casually walked up my driveway only to find out that I forgot my key. Where was it? Inside of my house! I thought...and thought...and thought...and eventually got really angry that I was two feet from my house, but could not get inside of it. I was so close and so far at the same time.
It says in the Bible, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21).
The "treasure" that I needed for basketball practice was inside of my home, but I could not get it. Our treasure is in heaven. Except, Jesus has given us the key. Still, many of us live like it is on earth. We overemphasize things, places, people, you name it. We try to play it so safe to protect our lives when we are going to die anyway. The odds of dying are pretty stunning - 1 in 1. Once again, this isn't a license to become reckless, but a reminder to become sold out.
If our treasure is in heaven, our lives will reflect it. Lets live like it.
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