Naivety or Security?


Interesting thing happened the other day. My youngest daughter was riding her bike on our street (within her boundaries). Shortly after she came home an older gentleman came to our door asking if there was a cute little blonde girl who lived here who was just out riding her bike.

My immediate thought was, “Oh no, what did she do? Did she cut him off, or cross the street, or almost get hit by a car? I called Zailey to the door. I asked the gentleman if everything was okay and if she had done anything wrong. No, he said. He met her when she was riding her bike. And what a lovely, sweet and friendly gal she was. There seemed to be no point. He asked if he could call us sometime. "Not on your life", I thought. Now sirens were going off inside my head. I told him that we were home often, and he could stop by if I was home…He said he lived a few streets away, and that he walked the neighborhood a few times a week. He told me his name and then left.

I immediately called the girls over and gave them the “don’t talk to strangers” song and dance. Drilled them on what to do if a stranger approached them, and told them that I didn’t feel comfortable with that stranger coming to our door like that. I told them if they ever saw him to not give him any information about us and come right home. I quizzed Zailey on what exactly was their encounter like. What exactly was said? Zailey said that she saw him talking to one of our neighbors who is a pastor at a local church. She said, “Hello, I hope you are enjoying your summer!” And that was it.

I went to the Megan’s law website and the registered sex offenders site to look up the guy. Disturbingly, there are some (registered sex offenders) in our neighborhood. We had known about them. I showed the girls some of the pictures.

Today the man came back. Thankfully Dave was home for lunch. Dave interfaced with him. He very capably portrays the big, scary, protector, dad. The man gave him a typewritten note. Still very ambiguous, but it appeared (to Dave) he was trying to warn us that Zailey was a bit too friendly. He alluded to “losing a daughter to an automobile”. He said that he was struck by the skillful grace in which she conversed as contrasted with the way most elementary students just look to the ground and walk on by. Possibly alluding to the idea that they had been properly trained in how to interact and survive in the world today.

My first thought was, “Ah, another blow to the anti-home school argument in regards to socialization!” But as I think more on the incident, a few truths are brought to light.

We do live in a cruel and sinful world. It is not safe. And yet, as believers, we have a security, hope, and confidence that can be nothing but alien to those OF this world. We have a Father who is ever vigilant, and all-powerful. If we did not have the Lord, we would have no alternative but to live in fear and trust in our own devices and shrewdness for our protection. Because of our eternal worth in Christ Jesus, we are freed to show love to a lost and dying world. They will notice! This man noticed Zailey’s love and confidence. It was disturbing to him, possibly because he took it as naivety.

It is possible to be wise to the general wickedness of the world, and yet naïve to the details. To know that there are men and women here around us who will hurt us if given an opportunity. But to have a confidence that God is going before us and with us. If we obey Him (for Zailey, it equals obeying her parents at this age) and stay close to Him, we can walk with security, through anything.

No, God does not promise us that if we obey Him we will never come to any harm; but whatever comes to us, has come through the hand of a loving and protective God. I don’t believe that I am being a simpleton here.

We do need to be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves. But, ultimately, if we are truly followers of Christ, that means, we will relinquish control and, perhaps even safety, and follow Him wherever He leads.

Would I turn my back on following Christ into a dangerous situation, to ensure my safety and security, or would I jeopardize my safety and security to follow Christ wherever He leads?