Resources/Articles
Your Personal Alarm System
Many people have made an investment in securing their belongings with an alarm system. Such a system brings security and peace of mind. A unique system was installed in the John Hancock Building in Boston. At times during the freezing and thawing of the winter, the windows of the building would pop out of the frames and shatter. The architects and contractors got together and installed a small alarm system in each window. When the windows began to bulge and contract, the alarm system would let the maintenance people know so they could take tension off the glass before it blew out and shattered.
Every person needs an alarm system to help or her relieve the tension before they shatter. Such a system would eliminate strife, contention, division, jealousy, and malice. What church, marriage, family, or business would not want a system like that?
This personal alarm system works under the principle of Colossians 3:15: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...and be ye thankful.” Proper direction and personal accountability make this system work properly. We need to be assured that the steps we take are the right ones. Submission to the rule of Jesus Christ provides the guidance we need when the tensions and pressures of life begin to build.
This system also functions well when it is networked through others. Ephesians 5:21 says, “subjecting yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ.” “Speak ye truth each one with his neighbor: for we are members of another” (Ephesians 4:25). The fellowship we have with other Christians provides additional help in protecting our lives from falling apart. Hebrews 10:24 says, “let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works.” The benefits of this system’s networking challenges us to be the example we should be before each other and the world. We gain strength from one another - the strength needed to build the house of God (Ephesians 4:16). One attitude essential to this networking is being approachable and teachable. This system works well when reproof is received with humility and honesty.
Some people refuse to be connected to such an alarm system. They do not like being told what to do. They would rather keep their distance but at the same time are more vulnerable to temptation. If we refuse to be personally accountable, then the cycle of blame, pride, isolation, self-justification, and rationalizing continues. We need to be accountable. We need an alarm system that warns us of danger and protects us from the hurt, pain, and guilt which has plagued thousands. Consider the words of Proverbs 9:8,9: “Reprove a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser.” What a needed alarm system that is!
