Security
At the beginning of this twenty-first century, it is apparent that God is shaking the foundations of this earth. Nations are rising and falling, uniting and dividing at a pace never observed before. Over sixty countries in this world are in political chaos and many more are suffering from economic insecurity. The population of the world has doubled in the last thirty years. Of all the people who have ever lived on planet earth, one half are alive today. The population is exploding, but our natural resources are decreasing. This trend cannot continue without serious ramifications for an overcrowded earth. Consequently there is a growing sense of insecurity all over the world. People are insecure because they are depending upon temporal things they have no right or ability to control. In the midst of ensuing conflicts, we have a shepherd who will guide us even through the valley of the shadow of death.
Security is relating to that which is eternal, not the temporal and transitory things of this world. We are secure in Christ and our security is found in our eternal relationship with Him. No one can snatch us out of our Heavenly Father’s hand (John 10:35-39), and nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:35-39). We were marked in Christ with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14). Conflicts in this world are inevitable, but in the midst of them we can have a sense of security.
Those who have a high regard for relationships and want to accomplish something seek to resolve conflicts. They yield for the sake of relationships if the need to achieve isn’t that great. Those who have a high “need” to achieve, but a low regard for relationships seek to win in every conflict or argument. They withdraw if they have no regard for relationships or achievement. The most secure people are those who seek to resolve conflicts or yield for the sake of relationships. That is because security is found in relationships not achievements. You probably felt secure in your home if relationships were valued over achievements. The secure person doesn’t always have to be right and win every time there is a conflict, nor do they walk away from meaningful relationships. They have found their security in their eternal relationship with God and living in peace with others.
Dr. Neil
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