Freedom And Security

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Matthew 6:33

Compare the oyster and the eagle. The oyster has a rock-hard home to protect it from predators and opens its shell whenever it wants nourishment. The eagle resides on freezing and exposed mountain crags and flies through miles of dangerous weather in search of food. The oyster is completely secure, while the eagle is completely free. Which did America choose as its national symbol?

Animals don’t choose their lifestyles; they just follow their God-given instincts. So we can’t be too critical of one over the other. But all too often, we see humans who choose worldly security over spiritual freedom. They invest all their time and talent in laying up treasures on earth. Security against the unexpected becomes their obsession.

There’s nothing wrong with security, of course. The question is, where do we seek it: in God or in the things of this world? Do a security check in your own life. Wherever you find some insecurities, look at them against the backdrop of God’s great resources, not your own.

Oysters may be secure and eagles may be free, but Christians are both secure and free when they live in dependence on God.