I MET A MAN recently who works for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
He told me stories about the non-stop expansion of this agency since it's establishment after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. A huge amount of tax money is being consumed there.
I guess that is why we are frequently asked by our politicians, "Do you feel safer now?"
Here is where we hit the wall: Most people don't feel safer now!
Osama bin Laden is still on the loose and is frequently releasing taped messages. The thing about terrorism is this: You can't defend yourself against it, that's why it is called "terrorism."
Of course, Homeland Security is supposed to cover natural disasters, also, but Katrina exposed that weakness.
Have we finally understood that a "hurricane-proof" or "earthquake-proof" house has never been built? Seriously, what would it take to make you feel secure?
Fact is, in reality, there is always a chink in our security armor. That's how politicians can always play the "fear card" to get your vote.
Psalm 112:1 takes us in another direction: "Blessed is the man who fears the Lord; who finds great delight in His commands," then concludes the thought in verse 8: "His heart is secure, he will have no fear, in the end he will look in triumph on his foes."
Job is very specific in Chapter 31, verses 24 and 28: "If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, 'you are my security' then I would have been unfaithful to God on high, my true security."
If you are looking for security in a government agency or man-made programs in this life, you are out of luck. Companies who promise security can't deliver!
As Christians, though, "we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure," (Hebrews 6:19). We Christians are preaching a contradictory message when we tell others that the Lord is our "Defender," but exhibit the same fears and insecurities of the outside world.
Jesus warned us that as long as we are in the world there would be "wars and rumors of wars" (Matthew 24:6) but don't be alarmed.
PRAYER: God, You say that this world and everything in it is eventually pass away. Help us understand that security is not connected to the natural universe but is rooted in You. Thanks! Amen.
Charlie Chilton is a retired Baptist minister, missionary, author and Stafford County native who resides
Email: cacfwc@gmail.com.