The term ‘safeguarding tendencies’ implies a range of structured actions of an individual determined to protect himself or herself from public criticism or other threats from other people, including both phycological and physical ones. These behavioral patterns are usually referred to as revealing a neurotic nature and lifestyle. There are multiple forms of safeguarding, and the tendency of ‘excuses’ is one of them (Gough, 2016). However, the event is judged from the perspective of the Bible. This way, the purpose of this paper is to present the aforementioned tendency, compare it to the Scripture scenes, and demonstrate the ineffectiveness of applying these patterns.
First of all, it is essential to describe the safeguarding tendency of ‘excuses’. It is shown when an individual mentions his or her intention to take action, which is satisfactory and acceptable from the perspective of other people. However, then, he or she explains the reason why he or she is not capable of doing it. Such a behavioral model helps a person conceal their particular drawbacks and protect their own self-esteem (Gough, 2016). These people do not have an appropriate sense of responsibility, and, predominantly, their actions prevent them from flourishing (Hood et al., 2016). The excuses lead to their comfort failure and other serious problems.
The Bible proposes another view on this topic and referred to the words of Jesus. The people, who are sticking to safeguarding themselves, are judged. Jesus highlights that the individuals, who are the most vulnerable and worthy to be protected, are children and elderly people. The majority of people are focused only on themselves, though, occasionally, they do not need safeguarding at all. In addition, they are highly likely to forget to support the individuals, who are at risk indeed.
This opinion is expressed and spread by Jesus and traced in some scenes in the Scripture. A significant number of people followed Jesus, and he was appreciated by the population to a large extent for his kindliness. The Bible contains the scene, where all his followers show their respect to him. People showed their children to Jesus, willing him to give blessings to them. At first, the Apostles did not admit the children to approach Jesus, as there were many adults around them. Jesus allowed the children to walk closely to him without their parents and prohibited the Apostles to bother them. He claimed that in case a person did not receive the Kingdom of God in childhood, he or she would never enter it. Consequently, Jesus gently touched all the offspring’s and blessed them.
Therefore, the Bible contains an important message that people should pay attention to safeguarding children and elderly people, shifting focus from themselves. These groups of the population are highly likely to need protection, as they find it challenging to resist in situations, which are dangerous for them. Instead, it is a common sight when people are concentrated on their safety, though in most cases, they do not encounter threats. Sticking to such a principle may be beneficial for humanity, as predominantly, all the indecent and criminal actions are committed to protecting or benefiting the one, who is doing it. As for the Bible scenes, a great number of mistakes could be prevented by admitting this approach, including the betrayal of Judas, as this moment referred to safeguarding tendencies too.
References
Gough, M. (2016). An evaluation of adult safeguarding outcomes’ focused recording in the context of Making Safeguarding Personal. The Journal of Adult Protection, 18(4), 240-248. Web.
Hood, R., Gillespie, J., & Davies, J. (2016). A conceptual review of interprofessional expertise in child safeguarding. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 30(4), 493-498. Web.