And being the southern gentleman that he is, he graciously agreed to share an excerpt with us below. Enjoy Martin's wise words, leave a comment to share your thoughts, and order your copy of Grits & Grace & God today.
Security Blankets
The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it an unscalable wall (Proverbs 18:11 NIV).
On Peanuts, Lucy’s brother Linus drags around a blanket. Without it, his life falls apart. With it, he finds security and sanity. It’s common for children to have “security blankets.” They come in different shapes: stuffed animals, actual blankets, pacifiers, a favorite cup, or a thumb. My middle brother’s security blanket was a stuffed dog that he wanted beside him at all times.
Why do young children need security blankets? One explanation is that they’re stress reducers. That leads to a second question. How much stress can a young child possibly have? Probably more than we imagine when we remember they’re little people living in a very intimidating, big world.
Solomon says the wealthy hold on to their possessions as security blankets. They imagine their wealth is an impregnable wall. In the ancient world, walls surrounding cities were essential for adequate defense and protection. Cities without walls were very vulnerable. Nehemiah was disturbed when he discovered the returning exiles hadn’t rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls (Nehemiah 1:1-4).
Some people carry different types of security blankets into adulthood. Reading a book, going to the gym, seeing a therapist, taking a soothing bath, indulging in sinful or questionable activities, or meditating are just a few.
Not all security blankets are appropriate for believers…wealth being one of them. While wealth…in whatever form…isn’t evil in itself, it’s foolish to wrap ourselves in this security blanket at the expense of trusting God to drape us with His grace and comfort.
Ask God to reveal to you the false items of security that may be taking His place—things that divide your mind and shift your focus.
Prayer: God of all security, challenge us to envelop ourselves in the security blanket of trust that You will always meet our needs according to Your divine plan.
Martin Wiles is a “preacher’s kid,” author and minister
who understands the struggles believers face. He can be followed on Love Lines
From God (www.lovelinesfromgod.com)
Dr. Wiles has been published in The
Secret Place and Light From The Word,
and is a regular contributor to Christian
Devotions. He is also a regular columnist for the Common Ground Herald newspaper. Wiles has authored Morning By Morning, Morning Serenity and Grace
Greater Than Sin. He and his wife Michelle reside in Greenwood, South
Carolina.|
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I love the verse from Proverbs and the wonderful devotional. A Christian friend and I were talking today about the danger of putting "trust" in money over trust in God. Relevant and timely topic always. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThe New Testament says that greed is idolatry. I love the way Dr. Wiles puts it here as a security blanket. Anything we trust to get us through has the potential to let us down, except for God.
ReplyDeleteThat was so nice to read! My husband has been out of work for a year, and I need encouraging words. I sure hope the 'fires' die down for your friend, Martin.
ReplyDeletePeace in Christ,
Ceil
Years ago, I used to lead a study on the book, "Love is a Choice" and that's where I first discovered the idea that money is considered a symbol of security. And it manifests in so many subtle ways--much like what you've pointed out here, Martin. Thanks so much for reminding us of the dangers of letting our pursuit of wealth replace our pursuit of God. Thanks to you, Lori, for letting Martin share here. I'll have to check out his book. It sounds like a great one!
ReplyDeleteAs an MK (missionary kid) and now a pastor's wife, you'd think I would have this area down pat. While wealth isn't really in our financial vocabulary :), I still often fail to trust in Him first and Him alone. Today I shared with my readers the passage in Matthew 6 about the birds and the flowers of the field - how our Father cares for them. How if He so meticulously cares for them, how much more would He care for us, His beloved children. I have to keep coming back to that truth! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this. A beautiful reminder that we are only secure in our God. All else is shifting sand. I was your neighbor at Wholehearted Wed. & am glad that I was :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing from Dr. Wile's book on finances. The illustration of the security blanket and children using them for stress reducers then linking that thought to money was such a good one.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this over at WholeHearted Home.
Wow - this is a really good, thought-provoking post...what are our "security blankets" and are they appropriate? Thanks for linking this wonderful up with me at A Little R & R Wednesdays. I hope you'll be back by to link up again.
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