Living With Purpose

There’s a story told about a man who once battled cancer. During one of his doctor’s visits, the doctor explained, “It doesn’t look like you’re going to make it.” Before he could ask a question, his wife jumped up and said, “Let’s get out of here. This man is a risk to your health.” As she helped him struggle to the door, the doctor approached them and said, “Wait, where are you going?” “Stay back,” commanded his wife. And the two fled to the safety of a doctor who did not confuse diagnosis with verdict.

It can safely be said that love protects. We naturally want to protect the ones we love. If there’s anything within our power we can do to spare heartache and harm from those we love, we should try to act. In the book of Ruth chapter 2 it refers to how Boaz protected Ruth. Ruth 2:12 says, “May the Lord reward you. It’s under His wings that you have come to be safe.”

Like a small chick who’s wondered away from the mother hen, Ruth ran to God’s open arms for protection and God protected her through the righteous actions of Boaz. God stands as the model for us in all of our relationships and what we need to do for those we love. Psalm 91:1 says, “The person who lives in the safe place of the Most High will be in the shadow of the All-powerful.”

I recently met an acquaintance of mine and after a casual greeting he said, “Can I tell you something? You’re a preacher right? I just want to make sure I’m doing the right thing. My ex-wife and I have three kids and she hasn’t let me see them for over six months. It’s killing me inside, especially since I heard from a friend that they’re being neglected and uncared for. I stay awake at night and can’t sleep wondering if they’re ok. They’re all three girls and I want to have custody of them. I spoke with someone from the Department of Children and Family and they told me if I had a bigger house or apartment the judge might rule in my favor. I’ve taken on a third job so I can get a bigger place. Should I try to go to court? As he was pouring his heart out I couldn’t help but to think here was a man who loves his kids, wants to protect them, and give them security; all of which God does for His children. I simply told him he was a good man for wanting to be in his children’s life. Although I’m not a lawyer and I shy away from giving legal advice, I told him if I were him I would use every legitimate means of making sure his girls were in a safe place.

Every person needs love in their life to help cope with troubles and triumphs. A child that lives in fear and danger will eventually have difficulties to overcome. And if love is absent from their life, developmental problems will carry over into adulthood. Our past experiences have a lot to do with determining our present and future states in life.

Houses have locked doors and security systems. Our money is deposited in secure banking accounts. Seatbelts are buckled when we drive. Insurance covers us against losses and damages. We long for protection and some sense of security. It’s important to remember that no one comes into this world equipped to survive on their own. There are people in your life that need your love. The people we love need safety, security, and protection. Sacrificial love on our part can provide these things.

Let the power of God’s love flow through your life. When you see people hurting and suffering, have a compassionate heart for them and show them in tangible ways that you care about them. God will enable you to minister in specific ways you have been equipped to do so. Your actions can bring comfort and peace to others. Let your life be characterized by love for one another. And know that the way to love someone like you should is to realize that they may not always be there. What can you do this week to make those you love feel like you care about them?

• This weekly column is written by Matt Dobson. A graduate of Florida State University, Univ. of West Florida, and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, he is Pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in Jay, Florida and is a Captain (CPT) in the U.S. Army Reserves Chaplain Corp. Matt can be reached by email:  rmdobson@liberty.edu. He welcomes your thoughts concerning faith, belief, and Christian living. Visit the Living With Purpose website at www.living-with-purpose.org.