In some countries with strong occupational safety laws, roofers must be harnessed in with gear similar to climbing ropes, lest they fall off the roof while they work. This is not a new innovation. Ancient Israel had a law regarding roof safety.
Whenever you build a new house, you must build a railing for the roof so that you don’t end up with innocent blood on your hands because someone fell off of it. (Deuteronomy 22:8 CEB)
In Mediterranean housing, roofs are often flat and used like a balcony for washing, family dining and relaxation. A fence was a good safety precaution. This has obvious spiritual applications regarding safety and health for ourselves and others. Let’s look at how Old Testament safety laws apply in spirit to Christians.
A Christian who is aware of the deadly insanity of tailgating will want to provide for the safety of other motorists and themselves, by backing off. A Christian who is aware of the danger of faulty electrical wiring will want to get a professional to do the job to protect the family. Should Christians learn to think about consequences and avoid danger?
When you see trouble coming, don’t be stupid and walk right into it— be smart and hide. (Proverbs 22:3 CEV)
What happens when we ignore the consequences of our actions?
The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. (Proverbs 27:12 ESV)
Yet Christians need not live fearfully, worrying about constant danger. We live by faith that our lives are eternally safe, even if we die in the meantime.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothy 4:18 ESV)
However, a Christian must also be responsible, and live a life loving neighbor, and our closest neighbors are members of our own family. Christians live up to family responsibilities.
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel [unbeliever]. (1 Timothy 5:8 KJV)
Like that roofer who must put on a safety harness, or in ancient times, build a safety fence, so too must we put on our safety equipment for the battle we are in, the whole armor of God.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:10-12 NASB)
In most countries today, Christians are at least mocked. In some countries, our brothers and sisters can lose their pensions, or their ability to buy and sell and so make a family income. Some are imprisoned or even killed for their faith. Our mortality is not guaranteed. Even if we should be required to make the ultimate sacrifice, let’s make sure that we are safe for eternity in the arms of Jesus.
Jesus quoted a law outside the Ten Commandments as one of the two great principles of Christian life.
You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19:18 NKJV)
A popular saying then and now was to love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But Jesus taught a higher principle.
But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you. (Matthew 5:44 CEV)
Whether we are mistreated in business, the neighborhood, or internationally, we are to react differently than the world around us. Politicians and world leaders slander each other. Businesses try to shut each other out with unethical practices. And motorists act like predators in the jungle. Such behavior is simply not for Christians. Instead Jesus reiterated an overarching principle from an Old Testament law.
“The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:31 ESV)
As the two great principles for Christians are love of God and love of neighbor, the safety of our neighbor goes far beyond the letter of any law, into genuine concern for their health and well being.
