Galatians 5:13 (ESV)
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use
your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one
another.
When we lived in Michigan we had an interesting fence: it
was invisible!
What good would such a fence do?
We used to think that it was the best thing invented for our
dog. A wire, hidden in the ground, carried a signal transmitted to a small
electrical device attached to the collar of our dogs. If our 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 their designated kingdom, they remain not only free, but also "zap
free"! Utter freedom within the margins!
But one of our dog's was always looking to the other side
of the invisible fence. To him the grass was greener and where she was sure she
would find freedom. He was sure that's where he belonged.
Then one day he started to experiment with her invisible
fence and soon discovered that if he ran fast enough and lowered his head just
right, the electrical discharge was brief at best, and certainly nothing to
worry about. One day he decided to visit the other side of the fence. Gone was
the protection he had by the invisible fence. He didn't realized that the
invisible fence was there so he could be truly free, protecting him for
anything that would potentially steal away that freedom.
Are we any better?
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 Saviour, 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!
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