IMPACT OF SAFETY ON HEALTH

“A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; but the simple pass on and are punished” – Proverbs 27:12

In the quest for Perfection of Health, the IMPACT of SAFETY on HEALTH is significant: “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; but the simple pass on and are punished” (Pro.27:12). Safety refers to the condition of being protected from danger, risk, or injury; freedom from the occurrence or risk of injury or loss. The thoughtless and foolish person has no sight or sense of danger, continues without care or concern, and pays unpalatable penalties. God does not encourage careless, reckless living. Many promising careers have been halted and destinies terminated by brutal, but avoidable injury. We must intentionally and proactively keep safe rather than tempt God.

God consistently assured Israel that as long as they kept His word, they would “dwell in the land in safety” (Lev.25:18-19; Dt.12:10). Their safety was His concern. David also cherished how God blessed him with sound sleep and made him to “dwell in safety” (Psa.4:8). Proverbs 21:31 reminds us that “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance [SAFETY] is of the LORD.” Psalm 20:7 affirms that “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” As much as we must never stop trusting God for safety and security, these scriptures do not infer that we have no responsibility whatsoever towards ensuring personal and collective safety. Yes, safety is ultimately of the Lord, and our trust must not be in chariots and horses – the arm of flesh that fails – but the horse must still be prepared!

By the guidance of the Holy Spirit we can learn and cultivate personal Safety Instructions and Precautions: “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is SAFETY” (Pro.11:14). No doubt, we live in a world that’s filled with wickedness, and spiritual warfare is a reality. Demons and their human agents cause a lot of havoc, and only the Power of God can rescue from their hands! That’s why we must be “instant in prayer” and “pray without ceasing” (Rom.12:12; 1The.5:17). Indeed, the Bible contains numerous Prayers for safety, security, and protection. Psalm 91 is a classic example. David also prayed: “Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings” (Psa.17:18); “You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psa.32:7).

Our first duty towards keeping safe is to PRAY in Faith, believing for God’s protection. However, it is folly to assume that every health problem is directly caused by demons. We each make personal choices that affect our health either adversely or favourably. We often pray as the Lord prescribed: “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Mt.6:13). Part of the answer to this prayer is that we do not lead ourselves into temptation through precarious or careless living. Many health problems are avoidable because they derive from lack of or limited attention to SAFETY at personal and collective levels. If greater care and attention is paid to Safety at home, at work, on streets and highways, on the sports arena, and in gatherings within and outside buildings, there would be less “accidents” to deal with and better overall health.

Safety at home is particularly relevant to children and the elderly. Injuries through slips, trips, and falls are widely recognized as major public health challenges and leading cause of death and illness, especially among children and the elderly. There are also risks of burns, electrical faults, electrocution or fire outbreak. Most of these are avoidable and preventable either through lifestyle-behavioural changes or environmental adjustments. Physical and psychological safety is also crucial in the workplace. The term ‘Occupational safety and health’ means having a workplace that is reasonably free from danger to all employees. At a collective level, true leaders are also expected to care for the safety of their followers: “Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds” (Pro.27:23). Every parent and pastor should heed this warning!