Judges 18:7
“Then the five men departed, and came to Laish, and saw the people that were therein, how they dwelt careless, after the manner of the Zidonians, quiet and secure; and there was no magistrate in the land, that might put them to shame in any thing; and they were far from the Zidonians, and had no business with any man.”
Every year I take a foreign trip to visit a missionary friend of mine down in Central America. During one of my visits, I began to talk about the country’s political landscape to find out how this country viewed certain topics. During this discussion I asked this missionary about the country’s military. To my amazement, this missionary told me that this country had no military. I asked him again to be sure what I thought I heard was correct, and he again confirmed that this country had no military. He told me that this country didn’t feel they needed one because they were not a real threat to any other nation.
This reminded me of the story from the verse above. Five men who were looking to secure a place that the tribe of Dan could take, came upon the city of Laish. When they came to this city, they found that it didn’t have any way to defend itself because they were careless and felt they had everything. This mindset opened the city for destruction, for what they thought would never happen eventually happened. I find that the four things that exposed this city for destruction will also expose Christians for destruction.
First, this city was careless in their living. In other words, they were inattentive about things that could hurt them because they were only concerned with the present. Many Christians become careless in their life only to expose themselves to destruction. You cannot live a careless life and it not eventually get you. You should be attentive about every area of your life. You should be mindful of the little things as well as the big things. Stop thinking that circumstances will correct themselves and start taking responsibility for what is going on in your life.
Second, this city had the mindset to get along at any cost. They were only concerned with having a “quiet and secure” life. In other words, they would sacrifice anything for the sake of peace. Peace will only be achieved by standing and fighting for right. If your mindset is to get along at all costs, then you will sacrifice your beliefs when they are controversial. Destruction happens when you are not willing to fight for truth and are only concerned with getting along at any cost.
Third, this city did not want to hear or know if they were doing wrong. They had no magistrate in the land to dictate who was wrong and who was right. When you don’t want to hear when you are doing wrong, you are headed down a dangerous road. Certainly, nobody likes to hear when they are doing wrong, but it is necessary to avoid being hurt or destroyed. You need people in your life to whom you will listen who can tell you that you are wrong. Don’t be obstinate when someone tells you that you are wrong. This is good!
Fourth, this city was self-secure. You will notice they had no business with anyone. Friend, you need to have people with whom you associate. Don’t try to be the lone ranger. There are people who believe like you that will help strengthen you. The Book of Proverbs talks about the importance of having friends who can sharpen you.
Are you exposed to destruction? Do you see yourself in one of these areas? I challenge you to be careful about accepting the mindset of Laish. It is a destructive mindset that hurts leaders and individuals alike. Always keep in mind that there is someone out there who does want to destroy you. Keeping these four areas right will help to prevent that destruction.