Inspiration Insights: A better security blanket

1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”

Many times in our lives we’ve come upon a situation where we’ve asked, or suggested, for something we know is right. Unfortunately we back down and walk away with our head hanging down when we’re told, “No. You can’t do that. (We) won’t allow it”.

Seems that today’s society has increased in that aspect. The things we know that are right to do have been pushed aside. Evil has overcome the good in ways that we would never have anticipated.

We fail to stand firm in our faith and our ability to right a wrong. We simply turn tail and walk away.

The great little Christmas movie that first aired in 1965 called “Charlie Brown’s Christmas” is watched every year by millions of children. It’s an animated movie that many adults should watch. There’s a beautiful moment in that movie that has been hidden in plain sight for over 50 years.

First of all, when Charles Shultz was first asked to make a Charlie Brown Christmas movie. He agreed but insisted that the Christmas story of Luke 2:8-14 be included in the movie. At first the producers strongly opposed the idea. They said no, because they thought that it would never be accepted by the public. Shultz stood strong and determined and, as a result, the movie became a reality.

Poor Charlie Brown was frustrated with the commercial aspect of Christmas and wanted more of the “Spirit” of Christmas celebrated for him and all his friends to share together. He wanted it simple but beautiful in carrying out the reason for the season.

We all know about the puny little tree he brought to the group and they all laughed at him. Charlie decorated it anyway and the group eventually got together to celebrate.

Then there was Linus. The compassionate, blanket-clutching philosopher always has a kind word for everybody, even his bossy older sister, Lucy. Linus is often the voice of reason in the neighborhood and believes firmly in the Great Pumpkin. One of his greatest quotes was from his disappointment when the Great Pumpkin didn’t show up; “I was a victim of false doctrine”.

Linus’ blanket was his security and refused to voluntarily give it up regardless of any situation… except once.

Shultz had a secret hidden in the movie that should be remembered by everyone. As they were all gathered together, beside the scraggly tree, someone asked, “What’s Christmas all about”?

Linus proudly quotes the scripture of Luke 2:8-14. But, when Linus says “fear not”, he “voluntarily” drops his blanket. Then as the group sings “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing”, Linus lays his blanket around the base of the tree, leaves it there…and walks away.

It’s pretty clear what Schultz was insinuating and I am convinced that is was intentional.

You see, the only security we need is the security when Christ enters our hearts and minds. We need not fear because now we have a Savior that can make all those things we cling tightly to seem so insignificant.

The birth of Jesus allows us to simply drop the false security we have been grasping so tightly, and learn to trust and cling to Him instead. We need to leave them at the foot of Jesus.

Ephesians 4:30, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed (secured) for the day of redemption.”

Are you secure in your faith and able to stand firm in the face of rejection? If not, open your heart and mind this Christmas to the security of knowing Christ as your Savior.

There is no greater gift.

Answer from last week: Zion and Jerusalem. (Micah 3:12)

This week’s question: What would the people beat their swords into? (Micah 3:12)

(Nancy Stoppe of Jenners is affiliated with Jenner Township Baptist Church, Boswell. She can be contacted at stoppe123@comcast.net.)

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Nancy Stoppe column about the only security we need