The Invisible Fence

Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

Years ago we had an interesting fence: it was invisible!

What good would such a fence do?

Some thought that it was the best thing invented for dogs. A wire was hidden in the ground, carried a signal transmitted to a small electrical device attached to the collar of your dog. If your dog came near the invisible fence, it would hear a warning beep. If it continued on its trajectory, it would be zapped by a small electrical pulse.

I'm sure glad I don't have to wear one of those!

But it's true that if the dog stays within the boundaries of his designated kingdom, he remains not only free, but also "zap free"! Utter freedom within the margins!

But our dog was always looking to the other side of the invisible fence. To Pongo, our Dalmatian, the grass was greener on the other side and where he was sure he would find freedom. He was sure that's where he belonged. At times we see him turn completely green with envy. Not a pretty picture for a dog!

Then one day he started to experiment with his invisible fence and he discovered that if he ran fast enough, the electrical discharge was brief at best, and certainly nothing to worry about.

He hadn't realized that the invisible fence was there so that he could be truly free, protecting himr for anything that would potentially steal away that freedom.

Are we any better?

"It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows." (Gal 5:13 The Message)

"You know well enough from your own experience that there are some acts of so-called freedom that destroy freedom. Offer yourselves to sin, for instance, and it's your last free act. But offer yourselves to the ways of God and the freedom never quits." (Rom 6:16 The Message)

God has given a fence to us as well, and just like the dog's invisible fence, it is also there for our benefit and protection. It is called God`s Law. It is found in the Bible and its Author will gladly lead anyone to a full understanding of it. It isn't there to hinder us, it's there so that we can truly enjoy utter freedom in Christ.

The freedom proclaimed by the world is not freedom at all. How can we call addictions freedom? It messes us up inside and makes us feel horrible most of the time! The only true freedom is the one Jesus provides, one destined to help us know and enjoy our Lord and Savior, and one where we can discover a passion for others as well!

It sure looks tempting the other side of the fence. But remember, looks can be so deceiving!

Dear Lord, thank You for the Bible that gives us the true freedom that we want and need. Help us not look on the other side of the fence. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.