What Does the Bible Say About Self-Protectiveness?

Sometimes when we compare ourselves and come up short, we may do things to protect ourselves from coming under ridicule or feeling bad about ourselves. As seen in previous posts, we may get into self-striving to become better or self-exaltation to appear better. We may put up walls, particularly when we’ve been hurt and don’t want it to happen again. We seek to protect ourselves from further harm and hurt. But, what does the Bible say about self-protectiveness?

The Bible Warns Against Self-Protectiveness

We can find at least four biblical reasons trying to protect ourselves isn’t the best course of action, no matter how hurt we’ve been.

1. Self-protective measures aren’t necessary when we have a God who is for us. This doesn’t mean bad things will never happen to us, but they will always have a greater purpose than harming us.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? (Rom. 8:31-35)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Rom. 8:28)

2. Building walls around ourselves goes against one of God’s purposes in sending Jesus to die. Walls separate us from God and others. God, however, sent Jesus so we can be in fellowship, not just with Him but with one another. Who are we to erect walls Jesus died to break down?

… For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. (Eph. 2:11-16)

3. It’s foolishness to think we’re strong enough to take care of ourselves, especially when we have a God who is fully able.

A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. (Ps. 33:17-19)

Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. (Ps. 127:1)

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matt. 10:28)

4. It’s foolishness for us to think we’re wise enough to know how to best bring about justice. God wants us to leave vengeance to Him, not to take matters into our own hands, which is where self-protective measures may take us. He has the wisdom to do what is right.

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. … (Rom. 12:19-21)

Scripture Encourages Us to Trust God Instead

We can trust God rather than seek to protect ourselves because He promises to be our …

Consider these truths about God’s protection:

• He’s powerful enough to protect us from anyone or anything. If He could create all things out of nothing, certainly He can take care of that which He created.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Ps. 121:1-2)

• He’s so wise He always knows what’s best.

As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. (Ps. 18:30)

• He’s fully reliable to care for us.

He who watches over you will not slumber. (Ps. 121:3)

Rather Than Put Protective Walls Around Ourselves, Let’s Do This

Remember, there’s a spiritual battle waging around your soul that no amount of self-protection will overcome. Jesus prayed for our protection from the evil one (Jn. 17:15). Jesus is the overcomer (Jn. 16:33). — “… be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God …” (Eph. 6:10-18)

Keep your eyes on what you have in Him rather than your circumstances, troubles, hurts, etc. We can learn to be content, and live the life God intends for us because we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil. 4:11-13). In Him, we can have peace, no matter what (Phil. 4:6-7; Jn. 16:33). His peace will guard our hearts even when our circumstances don’t change.

Call on the name of the Lord when feeling vulnerable. Jesus prayed for our protection by the power of His name (Jn. 17:11-12).