“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul…” Matthew 10:28a
Jesus was preparing His disciples before sending them out on a mission to share His truth. He didn’t candy-coat it; they could be in danger. In addition to the natural, physical hazards of living in a fallen world, they would be subject to evil people who didn’t share their beliefs. He warned that their lives were at risk.
We live in an age where the mantra is “safety first.” This wasn’t the case just a few decades ago. Since then, innovation has been implemented to better protect children in vehicles, men and women on worksites, and the general population from contaminants in the very air we breathe.
Don’t get me wrong… this isn’t a bad thing. Because of advancements in medical treatments and accident prevention, we enjoy a better quality of life than our parents and grandparents. On a personal level, we even have an obligation to take care of our bodies as “temples of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Eating well and exercising consistently are considered acts of worship.
When Jesus told His followers not to fear those who could kill them He wasn’t advocating for them (or us) to neglect our well-being or take unnecessary risks. But He was saying that our physical safety was not first. Our soul safety is top priority.
Is your soul safe? Once you know you will spend eternity in the presence of Jesus, there’s nothing to fear here on earth.
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