Applying the Character Quality of Security
3 minSecurity
vs. Anxiety
Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away
Key Verse
“Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.”
John 6:27
The definition of security is “structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away.” Many people strive to obtain wealth, approval, and pleasure, but do not find peace. Peace comes when our minds are fixed on the Lord and we are trusting in Him rather than in material belongings. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26:3). True security, that which cannot be destroyed or taken away, comes when you live for what will last for eternity.
“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil” (Hebrews 6:19).
“Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven” (Proverbs 23:5).
The opposite of security is anxiety. People tend to worry. Sometimes they worry about what they think they need but don’t have. When they get the desired item, then they worry that it may be lost! Anxiety can be overcome by resting in God’s goodness, trusting that He has a plan and a purpose for your life, and believing He provides for His will to be done. “In the Lord put I my trust” (Psalm 11:1a).
Evaluation Questions
- Do I find peace in circumstances just knowing that my Heavenly Father loves me?
- Am I trusting in what I have done or in what God has done for my salvation?
- Do I pray for a closer walk with the Lord, or are my prayers more often for material things?
- Do I put higher priority on strengthening my life spiritually or on building my physical skills and strength?
- If I lost all my money or possessions, would I have lost everything, or would I still have eternal treasures?
- Am I investing my time, money, and talents toward meeting the needs of others?
- Would losing my money or possessions diminish my inner peace?
- Am I worried about the future, or am I trusting God?
- Are my decisions based on Biblical truth rather than on my thoughts and feelings?
More About Security
3 min
Hymn History: “The Solid Rock”
2 min
Cultivating Godly Character
4 min
How can I be saved?
4 min“Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.”
C. H. Spurgeon
Transformation results as we behold the Lord and yield to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (II Corinthians 3:18). As we see God’s character through testimonies in Scripture, we grow in our understanding and obedience to His Word. Here are ten aspects of Security with supporting verses found in God’s Word.
God enables me to:
Be assured of eternal life.
“And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.” I John 2:25
Rely on Him for protection.
“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” Psalm 18:2–3
Rest in His provision.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:1–2
Invest my time in things that last.
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19–21
Beware of dependence on money for happiness.
“Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” Proverbs 23:4–5
Correct unsafe conditions.
“When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence.” Deuteronomy 22:8
Stand on firm foundations.
“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” Psalm 119:160
Replace fear with trust.
“In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.” Psalm 56:11
Withstand the storms of life.
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.” Matthew 7:24–25
Trust Him with my future.
“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:31–34
Security in Scripture
Relying on God through a Storm
“And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. . . . Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.”
Acts 27:22, 25
Wherever Paul went, the apostle spoke confidently by the power of the Holy Spirit! On three different missionary journeys, he traveled throughout many countries preaching the Gospel, discipling new believers, and starting local churches. On each trip, Paul proclaimed reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. Often, his hearers were moved to action—whether to repent and trust Jesus, or sometimes to seek to kill Paul! Although his message brought him much persecution and hardship, Paul could be secure because he knew he was in God’s will and trusted Him. The Jewish religious leaders were agitated and disturbed at the Apostle Paul’s resolute preaching. One day as Paul spoke to them, the leaders began to fight over his words. However, Paul was rescued from injury and taken before the Roman governor. Ultimately, the decision was made that Paul would stand trial before the powerful Roman emperor, Caesar. The governor arranged for Paul and other prisoners to sail to Rome under the watchful eye of a Roman centurion and his soldiers. Would Paul trust God with his future? How would God strengthen him when the voyage became dangerous? Would the apostle rely on God for his protection? How might Paul, even while a prisoner, confidently offer hope to others facing the same danger?
Revealed in Nature
Kangaroo
Kangaroos give birth after only a one-month gestation period. The helpless young kangaroo, called a joey, is the size of a lima bean. It finds security in its mother’s pouch, where it receives protection, food, and warmth for up to a year.
For Kids
Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum
The Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum uses examples from the lives of men and women in the Bible whose walk with God resulted in good character or whose lack of faith produced poor character. Learning security helps children understand the difference between eternal and temporal things. When children see that Christ is the One Who truly fulfills and satisfies, experiencing earthly loss will strengthen their security in Christ. (See Philippians 3:8.)
View the Security booklet sample:
Get the complete Security booklet with all four lessons & activities:
Free Resources for Security
Enjoy these selections from the Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum that are fun and memorable!
“As long as I see any thing to be done for God, life is worth having; but O how vain and unworthy it is to live for any lower end.”
David Brainerd
