At this week’s Community Safety Popup Meeting in Oak Flats, Sergeant Jason Harrison asked me how safe we felt in our church.
I chatted with him about some of our minor safety concerns, from graffiti through to isolated incidents of domestic violence.
Yet overall we agreed that Oak Flats is a suburb in which we can largely feel safe from the effects of crime.
We rightly discussed our physical safety, but in the end it’s our spiritual safety that really matters most.
It reminds me of the words that Jesus said in Luke’s Gospel:
“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.” (Luke 12:4-5)
And yet straight after that warning, Jesus shared these words of hope:
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:6-7)
Even when it comes to community policing, we must never lose an ‘eternal perspective’ on this life and the next.
Jodie.