I was talking with a new friend the other day and we got onto the subject of survival. Somehow the conversation progressed to what to do when you hear strange noises in the house.

My friend said, “If I hear a strange noise at night I go and find out what it is.”

She’s a brave one. Yessir. Reminds me of those scary movies where the pretty young woman investigates the strange noise in the basement. “Is anybody down there?”

That’s not my style, not by a long shot. Some might call me timid, even cowardly. But I prefer to think of myself as prudent and realistic. You see, I grew up in the San Francisco bay area. And if there was a strange noise, it might very well be an intruder. My father chased away peeping Toms, and other prowlers on our property more than once.

Years ago, my grandmother woke up to a strange noise and a tiny light. She got up to investigate and discovered a burglar going through her dresser. Fortunately, the bad guy was as scared and startled as she, and high-tailed it out of her house without harming her.

So, no, I am not going to investigate. Instead, if the night-time noise is truly suspicious, I’ve got my cell phone by the bed and I can call 911. When my husband is on a business trip, I keep the bedroom door locked, and I have a weapon nearby. I’ve also mapped out a plan of escape should that ever become necessary.

I know just enough about evil to be prepared, but not enough to meet it head-on without a lethal weapon.

I think there’s a parallel in scripture relating to our spiritual safety. The Bible says to flee evil.

1 Cor. 6:18 says to flee from sexual immorality.

1 Cor. 10: 14 instructs believers to flee from idolatry.

1 Timothy 6:11 sums up what we are to flee from: envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions, constant friction, lust for wealth.

2 Timothy 2:22 warns us to flee the evil desires of youth.

Rather than imagining that I’m capable in my own flesh of seeking out and battling these evils, I hope that I trust the Master of my “house” to guard and protect me.

Ephesians 6:10 encourages us to “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.”

Have you ever had to flee from evil, in your house or otherwise?

What safety measures did you construct?