Nougat 19

Many of us have taken security guards for granted. In Community College, a friend referred to them as ‘ratchet and radio’ as they were not heavily armed. The perception shifted when his speed and agility actually protected us. In today’s Holy Nougat, imagery of a guard comes into play. Let’s unpack its depths.

“Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It is tacitly understood that that which is guarded carries intrinsic or extrinsic value, thus requiring protection or even preservation. Hence palace guards, Secret Service for US Presidents, armed guards and security detail for others. Most banks and some other public companies have guards. And they seem to be doing good jobs as guards are still working.

But what do guards do?

Using whatever technology is available to them, guards often provide round the clock protection. Some are equipped with all the latest gadgets that they use to prevent a security breach. Those include equipment around that which is being protected. There might be some form of surveillance equipment to which they pay constant watch, even while doing their rounds.

Many patrol the grounds of the persons or things being guarded, looking for anything that is out of place. Of course, it implies that the guards know what is ‘normal’. They would study the layout of the place, identifying potential vulnerable spots, and ensure measures were in place to offset the vulnerability (like Nehemiah and Ezra ensuring that the breech in the city wall was temporarily repaired by a person standing in the gap).

Guards often try to anticipate danger. So they think of scenarios, based on reality and identify ways to mitigate risk of loss, abuse or destruction. Many good thrillers (Robert Ludlum, etc) describe some of the tactics in detail. They then practice the preventative measures, and keep in fine shape for any eventuality.

We have been entrusted with something that’s extremely valuable. It’s the Good News of salvation and the Hope we find in Jesus. And we know that there is one who would do anything to destroy the truth, even to the extent of destroying us (see John 10:10). So we must guard that truth carefully. It requires knowledge of the enemy’s tactics and establishing protective measures against them.

It may be that we need to stand in the gap for someone; preventing others from capitalizing on their vulnerability. This is especially important if the person is young in the faith; our prayers may be the difference between life and death. It means that we ought to be constantly keeping watch – for ourselves and others as we seek to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.

We must anticipate the enemy’s actions, but it Is equally important that we are wholly familiar with the Truth, as there are many different ‘gospels’ parading as God’s Truth. Jesus warned about the enemy sneaking in and sowing tares in the wheat fields. That’s the thin lines of fake Gospel that can suck the life out of our Truth if we are not grounded. Hence, like guards, we ensure that our surveillance equipment is in prime condition – prayer, time in the Word, time with others who are believers; and, of course, ongoing interactions with the One Who has FULL satellite imagery and access: God’s Spirit. Remember that God’s Spirit lives in us the moment we accept Jesus as Savior. And one of the roles of God’s Spirit is to guide us in the Truth. Who better to equip us as we guard our lives, heart and soul, against the enemy?!

There are guards who are mere ratchet and radio; there are ninja warriors, secret service, surveillance teams, and several others. There’s a time and place for each in our lives. Pray that we’re suitably prepared and connected as the needs arise

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May all we seek be found in Christ