Are you troubled by all the talk of what is safe or not these days? In a world full of terrorism, riots, and abusive authority figures, we want protection — but could it be the pendulum has swung too far the other way?
Don’t get me wrong; I believe in safety. Abuse and bullying need to be called out and shut down. Having said that …
I’ll give you the most extreme example I’ve heard: When God the Father sent his Son to earth to die for our sins, he committed child abuse.
Seriously? Let’s think this through.
God is the righteous Judge of all that is. We are created in his image; that’s where we get our sense of justice.
Now, in an ironic twist, we wear the lens of our culture’s values and become God’s judge instead of acknowledging him as ours.
Our working definition of what is right or wrong, safe or harmful, good or bad, is largely framed by the media and pop culture, not by the word of God.
Even if we consider ourselves Christians, we can easily slip into this paradigm.
Here’s the illogical places where this thinking leads:
- Church discipline is emotionally abusive
- Spanking is physical abuse; it teaches violence
- Calling homosexuality a sin is a hate crime
You get the idea.
We tend to see all pain as a bad thing.
Yet consider some examples where the very thing that seems harmful is necessary:
- Surgery hurts, but the cancer needs to be cut out for the purpose of healing.
- Immunization shots hurt, but their purpose is to prevent disease.
- Controlled fires help block and overcome a large wildfire.
We must be careful not to confuse hurt with harm.
C.S. Lewis explains this distinction in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. When the beaver tells Lucy about Aslan, the lion who represents Christ, she wants to know if Aslan is safe.
“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver. ” …Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good.”
Not “safe” — good. God is wiser and more loving and greater than we are. He knows exactly how to use pain in your life in order to accomplish his purposes in you.
God’s motive in allowing pain is love. He is after your greater good.
“…we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.” — Hebrews 12:9
God is simultaneously kind and severe (Romans 11:22). Because his image in us has been marred, he has a goal in mind: Our transformation into the image of his beloved son.
He’s not messing around. And as it turns out, transformation isn’t painless.
So when I hear someone talk about a place that isn’t safe (especially if it’s the Church) or a person who isn’t safe (especially if it’s someone in spiritual authority), I’m learning to get both sides of the story before I cry foul along with everyone else.
If by “safe” we mean no one challenges or confronts us, and our sin is accommodated and validated, that kind of “safety” is not a good thing.
In fact, it’s quite dangerous in the long run.
Here’s what the goodness of God looks like:
He loves us too much to leave us in our present condition.
How do you define “safe?”
To comment, click on title.
Image courtesy of Sura Nualpradid at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
.
“He loves us too much to leave us in our present condition.” Love that. Don’t always love the process, but love how you put that and the truth of it. Thanks for another insightful and bold post. Truth, truth, truth, cous! 🙂
You are so welcome! Yes, the process can be “ouchie,” but truth is good for us.
That’s what we’ve all been waiting for! Great pontisg!
I’ll try to put this to good use immediately.
You saved me a lot of hassle just now.
No complaints on this end, simply a good piece.
Thanks for taking the time to post. It’s lifted the level of debate
Wow, this is in every respect what I needed to know.
This is the perfect way to break down this information.
That hits the target perfectly. Thanks!
I’d venture that this article has saved me more time than any other.
If your articles are always this helpful, “I’ll be back.”
At last! Someone with real expertise gives us the answer. Thanks!
This info is the cat’s pajamas!
Your article perfectly shows what I needed to know, thanks!
More posts of this quality. Not the usual c***, please
That’s a subtle way of thinking about it.
Keep it coming, writers, this is good stuff.
I thought I’d have to read a book for a discovery like this!
This insight’s just the way to kick life into this debate.
Glad I’ve finally found something I agree with!
Heck yeah this is exactly what I needed.
Not bad at all fellas and gallas. Thanks.
What I find so interesting is you could never find this anywhere else.
Taking the overview, this post is first class
You have shed a ray of sunshine into the forum. Thanks!
Economies are in dire straits, but I can count on this!
I am forever indebted to you for this information.
I can already tell that’s gonna be super helpful.
It’s a relief to find someone who can explain things so well
It’s a pleasure to find someone who can think so clearly
This is the perfect post for me to find at this time
This piece was cogent, well-written, and pithy.
That’s more than sensible! That’s a great post!
Your’s is a point of view where real intelligence shines through.
Yours is a clever way of thinking about it.
Good point. I hadn’t thought about it quite that way. 🙂
Hey, that’s the greatest! So with ll this brain power AWHFY?
If your articles are always this helpful, “I’ll be back.”
With the bases loaded you struck us out with that answer!
Alright alright alright that’s exactly what I needed!
It’s great to read something that’s both enjoyable and provides pragmatisdc solutions.
In the complicated world we live in, it’s good to find simple solutions.
Intelligence and simplicity – easy to understand how you think.
Wow! That’s a really neat answer!
Was totally stuck until I read this, now back up and running.
Yo, that’s what’s up truthfully.
Thanks for sharing. Always good to find a real expert.
I was seriously at DefCon 5 until I saw this post.
Furrealz? That’s marvelously good to know.
At last! Someone with real expertise gives us the answer. Thanks!
BION I’m impressed! Cool post!
Stands back from the keyboard in amazement! Thanks!
Good to see real expertise on display. Your contribution is most welcome.
Okay I’m convinced. Let’s put it to action.
It’s spooky how clever some ppl are. Thanks!
Keep it coming, writers, this is good stuff.
At last! Someone who understands! Thanks for posting!
This is the perfect way to break down this information.
YMMD with that answer! TX
Heck yeah bay-bee keep them coming!
At last! Someone with the insight to solve the problem!
Furrealz? That’s marvelously good to know.
This piece was a lifejacket that saved me from drowning.
Free knowledge like this doesn’t just help, it promote democracy. Thank you.
Always refreshing to hear a rational answer.
Dag nabbit good stuff you whippersnappers!
Reading this makes my decisions easier than taking candy from a baby.
Full of salient points. Don’t stop believing or writing!
Yeah that’s what I’m talking about baby–nice work!
This shows real expertise. Thanks for the answer.
This article is a home run, pure and simple!
Begun, the great internet education has.
You’ve really captured all the essentials in this subject area, haven’t you?
Yup, that should defo do the trick!
I don’t know who you wrote this for but you helped a brother out.
All things considered, this is a first class post
A wonderful job. Super helpful information.
At last! Something clear I can understand. Thanks!
You put the lime in the coconut and drink the article up.
Gee willikers, that’s such a great post!
My hat is off to your astute command over this topic-bravo!
Ah, i see. Well that’s not too tricky at all!”
Wow, your post makes mine look feeble. More power to you!
Damn, I wish I could think of something smart like that!
God help me, I put aside a whole afternoon to figure this out.
With all these silly websites, such a great page keeps my internet hope alive.
Slam dunkin like Shaquille O’Neal, if he wrote informative articles.
I have exactly what info I want. Check, please. Wait, it’s free? Awesome!
Your story was really informative, thanks!
The ability to think like that shows you’re an expert
Thank God! Someone with brains speaks!
A few years ago I’d have to pay someone for this information.
That’s not just the best answer. It’s the bestest answer!
Tip top stuff. I’ll expect more now.
Great hammer of Thor, that is powerfully helpful!
This could not possibly have been more helpful!
Good to find an expert who knows what he’s talking about!
Stay informative, San Diego, yeah boy!
Phenomenal breakdown of the topic, you should write for me too!
This article keeps it real, no doubt.
I’m not easily impressed but you’ve done it with that posting.
That’s more than sensible! That’s a great post!
That’s an apt answer to an interesting question
Smart thinking – a clever way of looking at it.
You really saved my skin with this information. Thanks!
Your posting lays bare the truth
Stay informative, San Diego, yeah boy!
Last one to utilize this is a rotten egg!
For the love of God, keep writing these articles.
Great post with lots of important stuff.
This is just the perfect answer for all forum members
That’s way more clever than I was expecting. Thanks!
Stay with this guys, you’re helping a lot of people.
This info is the cat’s pajamas!
I love reading these articles because they’re short but informative.
Short, sweet, to the point, FREE-exactly as information should be!
I came, I read this article, I conquered.
The forum is a brighter place thanks to your posts. Thanks!
Why does this have to be the ONLY reliable source? Oh well, gj!
Shoot, so that’s that one supposes.
Free info like this is an apple from the tree of knowledge. Sinful?
I read your posting and was jealous
An answer from an expert! Thanks for contributing.
YMMD with that answer! TX
Insights like this liven things up around here.
Nothing I could say would give you undue credit for this story.
It’s posts like this that make surfing so much pleasure
Always refreshing to hear a rational answer.
Great stuff, you helped me out so much!
This is a most useful contribution to the debate
I could read a book about this without finding such real-world approaches!
You get a lot of respect from me for writing these helpful articles.
Brilliance for free; your parents must be a sweetheart and a certified genius.
That’s way more clever than I was expecting. Thanks!
I could watch Schindler’s List and still be happy after reading this.
That’s a slick answer to a challenging question
This piece was cogent, well-written, and pithy.
Learning a ton from these neat articles.
Always a good job right here. Keep rolling on through.
Perfect answer! That really gets to the heart of it!
Wow, this is in every respect what I needed to know.
Free knowledge like this doesn’t just help, it promote democracy. Thank you.
Super informative writing; keep it up.
Fell out of bed feeling down. This has brightened my day!
That insight’s just what I’ve been looking for. Thanks!
If time is money you’ve made me a wealthier woman.
Kudos to you! I hadn’t thought of that!
This is what we need – an insight to make everyone think
Didn’t know the forum rules allowed such brilliant posts.
Phenomenal breakdown of the topic, you should write for me too!
Wow! Great to find a post with such a clear message!
I’m so glad I found my solution online.
Great thinking! That really breaks the mold!
Your posting really straightened me out. Thanks!
I want to send you an award for most helpful internet writer.
God, I feel like I should be takin notes! Great work
This is the ideal answer. Everyone should read this
I don’t know who you wrote this for but you helped a brother out.
I was looking everywhere and this popped up like nothing!
I’m impressed. You’ve really raised the bar with that.
That’s a subtle way of thinking about it.
I’d venture that this article has saved me more time than any other.
Great insight. Relieved I’m on the same side as you.
Well macadamia nuts, how about that.
Holy shiznit, this is so cool thank you.
You’ve impressed us all with that posting!
At last, someone who knows where to find the beef
More posts of this quality. Not the usual c***, please
This is the perfect way to break down this information.
I was seriously at DefCon 5 until I saw this post.
Free info like this is an apple from the tree of knowledge. Sinful?
A million thanks for posting this information.
Extremely helpful article, please write more.
That’s a posting full of insight!
That’s the perfect insight in a thread like this.
That insight’s perfect for what I need. Thanks!
Glad I’ve finally found something I agree with!
Thinking like that is really impressive
The paragon of understanding these issues is right here!
I’ve been looking for a post like this for an age
I’m not worthy to be in the same forum. ROTFL
Created the greatest articles, you have.
In awe of that answer! Really cool!
Umm, are you really just giving this info out for nothing?
AFAIC that’s the best answer so far!
Deep thought! Thanks for contributing.
The honesty of your posting is there for all to see
That’s an inventive answer to an interesting question
Great article. Susanne has an incredible way of putting things into words that brings a point home in a biblical way.
Thanks, Heidi. I love words and I respect their power.
Excellent post, Susanne! As soon as I saw the title, I thought of Aslan 🙂
Thanks, Kristyn! I fell in love with Aslan in 5th grade. 🙂
Why does this have to be the ONLY reilbale source? Oh well, gj!
That’s way more clever than I was expecting. Thanks!
Big help, big help. And superlative news of course.
This makes everything so completely painless.
And I was just wondering about that too!
It’s a real pleasure to find someone who can think like that
So excited I found this article as it made things much quicker!
Awesome you should think of something like that
Haha. I woke up down today. You’ve cheered me up!
That’s what we’ve all been waiting for! Great posting!
I can’t believe I’ve been going for years without knowing that.
Lot of smarts in that posting!
Your story was really informative, thanks!
We definitely need more smart people like you around.
The truth just shines through your post
Four score and seven minutes ago, I read a sweet article. Lol thanks
You’ve captured this perfectly. Thanks for taking the time!
Just the type of insight we need to fire up the debate.
Always the best content from these prodigious writers.
Posts like this make the internet such a treasure trove
That’s a sensible answer to a challenging question
Holy Toledo, so glad I clicked on this site first!
Walking in the presence of giants here. Cool thinking all around!
That kind of thinking shows you’re on top of your game
We need a lot more insights like this!
Hey, good to find someone who agrees with me. GMTA.
I cannot tell a lie, that really helped.
Deep thought! Thanks for contributing.
We need a lot more insights like this!
You’ve got it in one. Couldn’t have put it better.
There’s a secret about your post. ICTYBTIHTKY
Way to go on this essay, helped a ton.
Your article perfectly shows what I needed to know, thanks!
That’s cleared my thoughts. Thanks for contributing.
An answer from an expert! Thanks for contributing.
With the bases loaded you struck us out with that answer!
Smack-dab what I was looking for-ty!
Smart thinking – a clever way of looking at it.
That’s cleared my thoughts. Thanks for contributing.
At last, someone who comes to the heart of it all
God help me, I put aside a whole afternoon to figure this out.
I can’t believe you’re not playing with me–that was so helpful.
I thank you humbly for sharing your wisdom JJWY
I can already tell that’s gonna be super helpful.
You can always tell an expert! Thanks for contributing.
Haha, shouldn’t you be charging for that kind of knowledge?!
It’s really great that people are sharing this information.
Geez, that’s unbelievable. Kudos and such.
Do you have more great articles like this one?
That’s a sharp way of thinking about it.
I told my kids we’d play after I found what I needed. Damnit.
Super excited to see more of this kind of stuff online.
Articles like this just make me want to visit your website even more.
We need a lot more insights like this!
If I were a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, now I’d say “Kowabunga, dude!”
Well macadamia nuts, how about that.
Your answer shows real intelligence.
Insights like this liven things up around here.
I am totally wowed and prepared to take the next step now.
Thanks for taking the time to post. It’s lifted the level of debate
One or two to remember, that is.
Do you have more great articles like this one?
The truth just shines through your post
Whoever edits and publishes these articles really knows what they’re doing.
Why do I bother calling up people when I can just read this!
Wait, I cannot fathom it being so straightforward.
Thanks for introducing a little rationality into this debate.
I really couldn’t ask for more from this article.
Keep on writing and chugging away!
That kind of thinking shows you’re on top of your game
This shows real expertise. Thanks for the answer.
AKAIK you’ve got the answer in one!
I really couldn’t ask for more from this article.
I thought I’d have to read a book for a discovery like this!
The answer of an expert. Good to hear from you.
God help me, I put aside a whole afternoon to figure this out.
Articles like these put the consumer in the driver seat-very important.
I’m not easily impressed but you’ve done it with that posting.
We need more insights like this in this thread.
Superior thinking demonstrated above. Thanks!
Thinking like that is really amazing
Normally I’m against killing but this article slaughtered my ignorance.
No complaints on this end, simply a good piece.
Dude, right on there brother.
And I thought I was the sensible one. Thanks for setting me straight.
Thanks for helping me to see things in a different light.
I’ve been looking for a post like this forever (and a day)
Thanks for writing such an easy-to-understand article on this topic.
Just what the doctor ordered, thankity you!
It’s great to read something that’s both enjoyable and provides pragmatisdc solutions.
It’s a relief to find someone who can explain things so well
It’s much easier to understand when you put it that way!
A piece of erudition unlike any other!
This is just the perfect answer for all of us
Thanky Thanky for all this good information!
To think, I was confused a minute ago.
That insight’s just what I’ve been looking for. Thanks!
Yup, that’ll do it. You have my appreciation.
That’s a mold-breaker. Great thinking!
Thanks for that! It’s just the answer I needed.
That’s really thinking out of the box. Thanks!
Please teach the rest of these internet hooligans how to write and research!
Boy that really helps me the heck out.
A wonderful job. Super helpful information.
It’s posts like this that make surfing so much pleasure
I am totally wowed and prepared to take the next step now.
That’s really thinking at an impressive level
I can’t believe you’re not playing with me–that was so helpful.
That’s a quick-witted answer to a difficult question
Geez, that’s unbelievable. Kudos and such.
Hot damn, looking pretty useful buddy.
Information is power and now I’m a !@#$ing dictator.
Is that really all there is to it because that’d be flabbergasting.
Just the type of insight we need to fire up the debate.
Gee whiz, and I thought this would be hard to find out.
Good to find an expert who knows what he’s talking about!
All of these articles have saved me a lot of headaches.
Phenomenal breakdown of the topic, you should write for me too!
That addresses several of my concerns actually.
Thanks for writing such an easy-to-understand article on this topic.
The honesty of your posting shines through
This info is the cat’s pajamas!
Gee willikers, that’s such a great post!
You keep it up now, understand? Really good to know.
Clear, informative, simple. Could I send you some e-hugs?
It’s a real pleasure to find someone who can think like that
We’ve arrived at the end of the line and I have what I need!
Boy that really helps me the heck out.
You got to push it-this essential info that is!
Superior thinking demonstrated above. Thanks!
Furrealz? That’s marvelously good to know.
Felt so hopeless looking for answers to my questions…until now.
I can’t believe you’re not playing with me–that was so helpful.
Thank God! Someone with brains speaks!
A wonderful job. Super helpful information.
I’m impressed you should think of something like that
You make things so clear. Thanks for taking the time!
Thank you so much for this article, it saved me time!
We need a lot more insights like this!
Got it! Thanks a lot again for helping me out!
Action requires knowledge, and now I can act!
Free info like this is an apple from the tree of knowledge. Sinful?
It’s like you’re on a mission to save me time and money!
I searched a bunch of sites and this was the best.
That’s an ingenious way of thinking about it.
Thank God! Someone with brains speaks!
Stellar work there everyone. I’ll keep on reading.
I want to send you an award for most helpful internet writer.
Surprisingly well-written and informative for a free online article.
We’ve arrived at the end of the line and I have what I need!
That’s a crackerjack answer to an interesting question
That insight’s just what I’ve been looking for. Thanks!
Hey, that’s a clever way of thinking about it.
A little rationality lifts the quality of the debate here. Thanks for contributing!
Always refreshing to hear a rational answer.
Grazi for making it nice and EZ.
I really couldn’t ask for more from this article.
This does look promising. I’ll keep coming back for more.
Your honesty is like a beacon
Created the greatest articles, you have.
Kudos to you! I hadn’t thought of that!
IJWTS wow! Why can’t I think of things like that?
Hey, killer job on that one you guys!
Thanks for sharing. What a pleasure to read!
That kind of thinking shows you’re on top of your game
AKAIK you’ve got the answer in one!
That’s what we’ve all been waiting for! Great posting!
I suppose that sounds and smells just about right.
All of my questions settled-thanks!
Your post captures the issue perfectly!
Gee willikers, that’s such a great post!
Extremely helpful article, please write more.
Your thinking matches mine – great minds think alike!
Very valid, pithy, succinct, and on point. WD.
Hey, good to find someone who agrees with me. GMTA.
I can already tell that’s gonna be super helpful.
That’s a mold-breaker. Great thinking!
I was struck by the honesty of your posting
Right on-this helped me sort things right out.
That’s what we’ve all been waiting for! Great posting!
That’s an inventive answer to an interesting question
I just hope whoever writes these keeps writing more!
Time to face the music armed with this great information.
You’ve got to be kidding me-it’s so transparently clear now!
Alakazaam-information found, problem solved, thanks!
That’s a crackerjack answer to an interesting question
What liberating knowledge. Give me liberty or give me death.
This is way better than a brick & mortar establishment.
Just what the doctor ordered, thankity you!
It’s good to get a fresh way of looking at it.
I can’t believe I’ve been going for years without knowing that.
I wanted to spend a minute to thank you for this.
You’ve hit the ball out the park! Incredible!
No more s***. All posts of this quality from now on
There is a critical shortage of informative articles like this.
That’s not even 10 minutes well spent!
Dude, right on there brother.
Gee willikers, that’s such a great post!
Hey, that’s powerful. Thanks for the news.
I’ll try to put this to good use immediately.
This is what we need – an insight to make everyone think
That’s the best answer of all time! JMHO
I’d venture that this article has saved me more time than any other.
Ppl like you get all the brains. I just get to say thanks for he answer.
That’s way more clever than I was expecting. Thanks!
Got it! Thanks a lot again for helping me out!
Wow I must confess you make some very trenchant points.
Great article, thank you again for writing.
Haha. I woke up down today. You’ve cheered me up!
People normally pay me for this and you are giving it away!