A Note from Michael Gossett
“A Dangerous Place to Be”
On September 11, 2001, everything in America changed. Most of you, if not all of you, remember the events of that day. It is a reminder that things can change quickly without notice or warning. This truth is certainly the case for the people of London, as Germany conducted one of the most intense aerial assaults in history in 1940 and 1941. How can anyone endure such tragedy the assault imposed? It was fifty-seven consecutive nights of bombing, followed by a series of raids over the next six months. Winston Churchill was new to his role as Prime Minister. He was only in his first year as Prime Minister, having just taken office on May 10, 1940. How could Churchill and the people press on? The signs warned them, and it became apparent that they would soon face an invasion by the enemy. However, this is not the most dangerous place to be. The most dangerous place to be is not necessarily in New York or in London during one of these raids (although I want to be cautious not to downplay how awful it must have been). The most dangerous place to be is to either pretend or believe that it couldn’t happen.
Complacency is the most dangerous place to be. Complacency in America has long been forming within our society. Our society has become accustomed to the freedoms we can enjoy and has become unaware of the cost required for such freedoms. Those freedoms can be replaced in a moment with dark reminders of how much freedom really costs. It is difficult for anyone to fight against the tendency to become complacent.
In my early days of fire service training, a great training Captain constantly reminded me that complacency is the number one killer of firefighters. Mundane tasks become mindless. Checking your gear can be easily overlooked. While in the frantic speed of attacking a fire, checking the stability of a roof, which may have flames beneath it, may seem unnecessary. Yet all of these are measures to prevent losing a life. The same is certainly true of our walk with Jesus.
Paul warns us against this draw toward complacency. Ephesians 6:10-18, “Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. 13 For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14 Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, 15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. 16 In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. 18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.”
There are some who believe that it would be dangerous to go on mission, dangerous to speak the name of Jesus, or dangerous to fully surrender to the Lord. This is not a dangerous place to be. The disciples quickly learned that it is better to be in the middle of the raging sea with Jesus than in a field of lilies without Him. There is no danger in pursuing Jesus. However, becoming complacent in our pursuit of Christ is by far the most dangerous place to be. Just as America at large is forming a hardened and complacent view of freedom, Christians are in the same danger of becoming complacent in their pursuit of Christ. Paul warns adamantly to stand firm and be strengthened by putting on the full armor of God. The complacent follower of Jesus never dons the armor of God because they lack the understanding that the enemy is lurking.
The people of London received constant warnings and sirens, reminding them to take cover, shield their families, and take proper precautions. Paul is sounding the alarm for all believers. There is never a moment that we should let our guard down; therefore, we must put on the armor of God. Reading God’s word, prayer, gathering with God’s people for worship, submitting to the Lord, aligning our lives with the Lord, and living a life of repentance are all ways that the Lord will continue to lead us away from the detriments of complacency and into the life of freedom. I want to encourage you in these ways. Don’t give up, don’t give in, and keep pursuing Jesus!
THIS SUNDAY! Come and worship with us as we finish the last section of the book of Hebrews. This week, we will study “A Greater Story” in Hebrews 13:20-25 as we see the author encourage us to live out all that has been taught thus far in the letter. Come and participate in the incredible joy of gathering with God’s people and pressing on in His name!
Hebrews 13:20-25 says, “20 Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever an ever. Amen. 22 Brothers and sisters, I urge you to receive this message of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 Be aware that our brother Timothy has been released. If he comes soon enough, he will be with me when I see you. 24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who are from Italy send you greetings. 25 Grace be with you all.”
Read through the passage, pray for God to speak to you, and be ready to worship this Sunday!
You are loved and prayed for!
Michael Gossett