Seeking Safety
Some time ago, my wife and I spent a weekend at the north shore of Lake Superior. As we were wandering the streets of Grand Marais, a quaint harbor town known for its artistic community and natural beauty, I saw a saying on the window of a small wilderness guide service that stopped me in my tracks. It read,
“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships were built for.”
This thought-provoking truth immediately flooded my mind with applications and challenges and resolutions and questions, questions about my life and motivation and purpose.
Am I looking for comfort and security, or am I striving to live for Jesus? The quote seemed to challenge the very core of how I approached my Christian walk.
While self-examination is good and necessary for growth, it's natural to take an inspiring quote like this one and simply start thinking about how I could accomplish more by being braver, stronger, or more focused.
However, this self-centered approach isn't the path the Bible shows us. Instead, Scripture consistently points us to Jesus, revealing not only his character, but also the attributes and priorities we should focus on as his followers.
For example, in Colossians chapter 3, the Apostle Paul instructs us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. He emphasizes that we should be patient and forgive others just as Christ forgave us.
In Matthew chapter 11, Jesus tells his followers that they should be humble, looking to him as the ultimate example of humility. He says, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
The Gospel of Mark chapter 10 presents another crucial lesson from Jesus about true greatness. In verses 43 through 45, he states,
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
This passage redefines success in God's kingdom, emphasizing servanthood over self-promotion.
So, where am I going with all of this? While I appreciate the quote, “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships were built for,” we must be cautious. If we simply absorb worldly wisdom without filtering it through a biblical perspective, it can move us off center.
Instead of helping us truly grow, we can end up making secondary things the main thing. Upon honest introspection, I realize that many of my answers to the questions raised by the sign are discouraging.
I often find myself motivated by earthly security and temporary pleasures, looking to be independent and comfortable instead of dependent on God and willing to take risks for his kingdom.
However, the most crucial truth in all of this is that while I would love to be stronger at focusing on my call, if Jesus had sought his own safety instead of going to the cross, any gains I might make would be meaningless.
Jesus didn't prioritize his comfort or security. Instead, he resolutely completed his mission of love for his children.
Jesus came to earth with the express purpose of dying for our sins, and he was unwavering in his commitment to accomplish the salvation of his people.
Jesus, you are the one who came in order to die. You were resolute in your purpose, and you accomplished the salvation of your children. I'm sorry for thinking about myself when you are the answer to everything. Thank you for being trustworthy. Please cause me to think of you as I walk through this life.
I'll finish with this verse from Hebrews 12: “Because of the joy set before him, Jesus endured the cross, scorning its shame.”
Song: The Goodness of God