WE SHALL NOT DIE - Reading With the People of God #17Sample

False Security or Living Readiness?

We all crave security. We work hard, save money, plan ahead, and try to protect ourselves and our families. But in Habakkuk 2 (NIV), God exposes a dangerous kind of false security—the kind built on sin. “Woe to him,” He says, who builds his house to keep himself safe while ignoring justice, truth, and God Himself (v. 9). People were trusting in money, violence, and idols, thinking they’d be untouchable. But God says, “The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him” (v. 20). In other words: He sees everything, and no idol can save you when He comes to judge.

Jesus picks up that same urgency in Luke 12 (ESV). He warns against hypocrisy, greed, and spiritual apathy. A man stores up riches, planning for a long, easy life—but God calls him a fool: “This night your soul is required of you” (v. 20). That hits hard. Jesus isn’t just preaching—He’s pleading. Life is short. Eternity is real. And the only safe place is in Him.

Still, this isn’t about fear—it’s about freedom. Jesus tells His disciples, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (v. 32). That’s grace. We don’t earn the kingdom—we receive it by grace. But we receive it with open hands, letting go of the things that keep us from fully following Him.

I heard someone once say, “Live as if Christ died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back tonight.” That’s not fear-mongering—it’s gospel sanity.

So, what are you clinging to for security? A paycheck? A title? A plan? If it’s not Christ, it won’t hold. He’s not calling us to build bigger barns—He’s calling us to be ready.

Prayer:
Lord, we confess how often we look for security in the wrong things. Help us tear down every false refuge and trust in You alone. Teach us to live ready—not out of fear, but because we’ve seen the worth of Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

—Tomás Portillo, sinner saved by grace.