We use many words and catch phrases when bidding a friend or loved one farewell, especially when the goodbye is only for a short period.   We say things like, “See you later” or “Talk to you soon.”  One that I hear a lot these days is “Stay safe.”  Never do those words apply more than when it comes to the condition of our souls.

We should all do everything in our power to stay safe spiritually.  The first step in doing this is to ensure that the Word of God has a permanent place in our hearts.

Colossians 3:16 (ESV)
¹⁶Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

When the Word is dwelling in us, it protects us against the assaults of Satan.  This does not happen automatically.  We must study God’s Word regularly.  Try to memorize as much of the Word of God as you can.  Spend time working at it.  There is no better way to assure that the Word is in you.  Can you think of time better spent than studying and memorizing the Word of God?  Without question, it will help keep you safe.

When you fill your mind with the Word of God, it will help you to set your mind on the things of the Spirit, meaning you will be spiritually minded.  The importance of this is captured completely by the teachings of Paul in Romans 8.

Romans 8:5-6 (ESV)
⁵ For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. ⁶ For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

These are definitive statements by Paul.  All who set their minds on the things of the flesh live carnal lives.  Conversely, those who set their mind on the Spirit live lives that are spiritual and pleasing to God.   What is the end of those who mind the things of the flesh?  Paul said that they cannot please God (Romans 8:8), and the end is death.  Let me state the obvious—to have a carnal mind is not safe.

The opposite is true of those who are spiritually minded.  They mind the things of the Spirit, something that allowing the Word of God to dwell in them does, and have life and peace.  This, without question, is the safe course.

Allowing the Word of Christ to dwell in you richly is a great start to staying safe, but we must obey the Word that is dwelling in us to really be safe.  Jesus said that the one who “hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).   This, again, is the safe course.  The storms of life and the attacks of the devil will not cause your house to crumble if you hear and obey the Word of God.

Obeying God’s Word gets you involved in things that will keep you spiritually safe.  Things like worshipping God with other Christians (attending all worship services), abiding by the moral standards of the Bible, and praying to God regularly.  The devil will never stop attacking us, but we can overcome by doing these things.  When you get up tomorrow and begin to live another day, be sure to stay safe.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.