I honestly don’t have the words to even try and begin to unpack what’s going on with Hillsong and Disney or Mike and Soul Survivor. I just weep. There are so many people involved here and so many sore and broken hearts, including mine. I hope that in the tears and sadness I can try and articulate something… I think I do have a comment about how far and how hard we think we need to push to “grow” something for the “sake of Christ and the Gospel”, because if it’s “growing” it must be right hey? If people are coming every Sunday then it must be God’s will, right? So what does it mean for us to be “successful”?
In a world driven by achievement and materialistic pursuits, we often find ourselves measuring success in terms of wealth, status, and recognition. Doing whatever it take to get “a win”, regardless of who gets in the way or who gets hurts along the way. But what if we shifted our perspective? What if success was measured not by worldly accomplishments, but by the impact we have on others? Imagine if we measured success by the amount of safety that people felt in our presence. This thought-provoking idea prompts us to reevaluate our priorities and consider a different standard for success — one rooted in compassion, empathy, and genuine concern for others. I want to try and explore the concept of measuring success through the lens of safety, and complement this notion with one or two verses from the Bible that illuminate this perspective.
How do we create a Safe Haven?
Imagine a world where every interaction, every encounter, made people feel safe and valued. We all have experienced moments of vulnerability, uncertainty, hurt and fear, and in those moments, finding safety becomes paramount. Safety extends beyond physical security; it encompasses emotional well-being, psychological comfort, and a sense of belonging, and for those christians among us it’s about a “Spiritual Home”. To prioritize the safety of others is to create a safe haven where people can thrive and grow. I think this needs to be our stance these days, as I see it being Jesus’ stance, to those who feel uncertain, hurt, abused by power, thrown into the dirt with rocks at hand or clutching for dear life in a crowd of on lookers when no one else notices.
What does the Bible say about safety?
As we dive into the concept of measuring success through safety, we find guidance and inspiration in the pages of the Bible, and loads of it, hard to choose two verses here. The verses below highlight the significance of fostering an environment of safety and demonstrate how our actions can have a profound impact on those around us.
- Proverbs 18:10 (NIV): “The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
This verse reminds us that God’s presence offers safety and refuge. Similarly, we can aspire to be a source of security and solace for others. By embodying righteousness, kindness, and compassion, we can become a haven of safety for those who seek comfort in our presence. This is really all I wanna strive for when it comes to raising Daniel and Elizabeth, these are the things I wanna pin to and nail to the walls of our home.
- Isaiah 32:18 (NIV): “My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.”
Here, the prophet Isaiah envisions a society characterized by peace and security. We can learn from this vision and work towards creating environments where individuals feel secure, both physically and emotionally. Our words and actions have the power to cultivate a sense of peace and tranquility, allowing those around us to find rest and respite.
How do we go about Redefining Success?
When we measure success by the safety that people feel in our presence, we shift our focus from personal achievements to the well-being of others. It encourages us to become more self-aware, attentive, and empathetic. Valuing safety as a measure of success fosters an environment of trust, nurtures relationships, and strengthens communities. Maybe one day when I’m brave enough I’ll talk more about this…
In a world often preoccupied with individual accomplishments, success and “how to win”, let us not forget the profound impact we can have on the lives of others. Imagine if we redefined success and measured it by the amount of safety that people felt in our presence. Let us aspire to create an environment where individuals feel secure, valued, and supported. By embracing this transformative perspective and incorporating the wisdom found in the Bible, we can foster a world that is not only successful by conventional standards but also deeply compassionate, empathetic, and safe.
D.C.
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