I think we need to tread lightly when throwing puzzle pieces of scripture around to make them fit wherever we want them to.

The Sword refers to the Word of God- Scripture

The thief in the night example in Matthew 24 doesn't mean stay up all night and make sure someone doesn't break into your house, it means that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night when we least expect it.

Jwalker, there is validity to what you are saying. Throughout Scripture, Jesus nor the disciples display a "Safety First" attitude. In fact, the bible is clear that Jesus didn't even defend himself before Pilate.. We are taught to rely on the LORD for protection and walk as if "To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain."

But there is a reason that Christ endowed men with protective instincts.