Security (Peace): Establishing and maintaining harmony in our relationships and providing freedom from fear or threat of harm through expressions of vulnerability, deepening of trust, and the successful resolution of conflict. (Romans 12:16,18)
My (Linda) daughter-in-law leads a ministry called Forever Loved SC. She has a team of ladies who go into local strip clubs for the sole purpose to simply show Jesus’ love to these girls. As you can imagine this was not well received the first few times these “church” girls, (what the clubs calls the ministry team) showed up at the door of the strip club looking to bring gifts and dinner to the girls and the bouncers.
Over time though, trust started to develop. As the “church” girls started to get to know the girls, bouncers and managers of the clubs they visit, they slowly began to make friendships, even meeting some of the girls outside the club for lunch.
The team has helped the girls at the club with material needs for them and their children. They have been able to hand out Bibles. It has been amazing to see the progression from when they first started visiting.
This did not happen quickly. It took time for people to “feel safe” with those coming by to share God’s love and care. If the team had gone into those clubs with judgment and condemnation, they would not have been able to come back. They just showed up each month with gifts and dinner and nothing more than smiles and hellos. Overtime though, they had more conversations and eventually were asked back to the dressing rooms. The girls in the club now look forward with squeals of delight to the nights the “church girls” come to visit!
THREE SOURCES OF LIGHT – Help Us Experience Security
Light Source #1: Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12)
Walking in the Light: Having a fresh encounter with Jesus.
What I love about my daughter-in- law’s ministry is that her team meets these girls right where they are and they love them for who they are. They don’t ask them to change their lifestyle, and they don’t pass judgment. They leave those precious ladies up to God.
Thankfully God is like that for all of us! He meets us where we are, loves us for who we are. Over time we change, but not until we trust the One that can change us.
Jesus was often found hanging with the sinners? People were puzzled by this. Jesus seemed to rather be there than anywhere else! These were the people that needed Him the most!
Jesus is still hanging with sinners today, isn’t He? Aren’t you thankful that Jesus introduced himself to you, a sinner, and loves you simply because you are you?
Will you take a few minutes and remember the early days when you realized God was calling your name? Where were you in life? From what did He redeem you? How are you different today knowing Jesus has done and is doing a work of redemption in your life? Are you now in a more secure place because Jesus created a safe space for you to get to know Him?
Light Source #2: God’s Word is a lamp and a light, so walk in the light of frequent experiences of doing His Word. Psalm 119: 105
Let’s do:Ephesians 5:1-2
Be imitators of God therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Have you ever been at the mall and all of a sudden you smell deliciousness…hot cinnamon rolls!? You started looking around to find where this delightful smell is coming from, didn’t you? (Unless you don’t like cinnamon rolls! haha!)
Maybe it is a good idea for you to ask yourself a question: “What kind of “fragrance” emanates from my life”? Do you smell like Jesus – alive, fresh and new? Or would your fragrance be a little stale? Are people drawn to your life because of the smell of kindness, love, and Jesus that you give?
Our goal should be to represent Christ in such a way that our “fragrance” drives people “seeking” for what we have, as they’d search the mall for the origin of the smell.
I think we all can feel a little insecure at times. Doesn’t it make a difference when someone comes up to you and starts a conversation? You feel a little less alone, don’t you? In time…you may even build a friendship with this person. Their aroma makes us curious to find their source of love.
Would you identify some people in your circle of friends or co-workers who could use a “safe person” to care for them? You may not be called to go into a strip club, but God may move you to enter another person’s world and get you close enough so they can “smell the fragrance of Christ” you offer.
Do you think Jesus wants those ladies in the clubs to live that lifestyle from now on? Of course He doesn’t; but how do any of us escape our past and find Christ unless someone takes a chance to know us and care for us, even while we are living outside “acceptable society”. All of us have sinned and need a Savior. Jesus is our only hope and their only hope, and He wants us to be His ambassadors to a world in desperate need of His love and mercy.
Light Source #3: God’s people are sources of light so walk in real fellowship with Believers and Others: “the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14
My daughter-in-laws ministry has ruffled some feathers. For some reason, some people want to stay far away from those that don’t fit the “norm” in society. But, can I ask you to look at God’s heart? What would He say about these girls who are strippers or even those who frequent the clubs? Doesn’t He love them just as much as He loves you? Does He not want them to have eternal life, just as you? Are they not just as worthy?
Would you challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone, your own security, to build a little bit of trust with someone? You never know…it could lead to a life changed for eternity and a wonderful friendship!
How about you and your spouse or another friend spending some time talking about people in your lives through the years who were outcasts until somebody cared enough to know them or reach out in love and kindness to them. Maybe you are that person.