Issue 1178 – False Protection – June 18, 2023

I confess that this morning’s Gleanings is a re-run. You likely won’t have read it yet, though. I knocked down a binder of old issues this morning and opened it to find this Gleanings from June 13, 2021. I have edited it a little for grammar and spelling, but here is what was on my mind 22 years ago; it still seems appropriate today.

Our cat Tigger was declawed at an early age and has no front claws. She has always been an indoor cat and does not need them for protection. She doesn’t know that she hasn’t got them.

Her instinct is to keep them sharpened to use them if need be; Tigger is diligent about sharpening her nonexistent claws and will often home them, preparing them for use.

I remember years ago, a man who kept a de-scented skunk as a pet. If frightened, it would turn its tail and “spray” you. It didn’t seem to understand there was no scent to release.

It’s easy to laugh at the antics of these animals as they prepare to defend themselves. We can rationalize their behaviour because we know they have an instinct to protect themselves and don’t know any better. 

So how do we explain it when people do similar things?

We save furiously and work ourselves beyond exhaustion to have “lots of money.” At the same time, we mortgage our life with debt that negates the money we’ve saved for retirement and protection.

We develop elaborate personas to keep the world from seeing our inner selves so we don’t get hurt. Yet, our deceptions isolate us and cause us to question many of the relationships that we do have because they aren’t grounded in reality.

That will get even more so as social media expands. We will be able to function online anonymously or under whatever persona we want to present. 

Behavioural scientists and mental health practitioners can describe a wide range of protective behaviours that people can develop. Most turn out to be as futile as Tigger sharpening her claws.

We must remember what we truly need protection from and where to find it.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints… Ephesians 6:10-18

I’m reminded of an old adage of not bringing a knife to a gunfight. We often prepare ourselves against a physical world in a spiritual battle. Traditional defences don’t work. We must rely on the supernatural protection of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Don’t rely on man-made weapons in a spiritual battle; call the creator of the universe to side with you.

What elaborate protection schemes have you developed to keep you safe? Have you turned the struggles over to God and put on His armour?

Until next time, may you don the armour and trust God in the struggle.

Be Blessed

Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word

Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)

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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV). 

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