Fenced In or Fenced Out?

By Ron Adams

    There was a playground for children surrounded by a secure fence with only one gate. The children loved to play there. One day someone said, “They are penned in–like animals, like prisoners. That’s not good. Let’s remove the fence and free them from such confines.”
    The fence was removed. No more confinement. No more prison-like barriers.
    Then a parent noticed that the children were only playing near the center of the playground. Why weren’t they using all of the space. In questioning the children, they found out that the children didn’t feel secure without the fence. It became apparent that the fence was protective and restrictive. It kept them inside where it was safe, and kept out what was harmful.

BURDENSOME OR WHOLESOME?

    A similar misconception is held by some when it comes to God’s children. They believe the restrictions and prohibitions of the Lord’s commandments keep them penned up, taking the joy out of living. Some say, “All the fun is taken away.”
    The truth is, His commands are not burdensome; they are wholesome. They protect His followers from harm from without, and keep them from harming themselves by wandering off.

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments
are not burdensome.
1 John 5:3
But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of
His glory blameless with great joy.
Jude 1:24

TEMPORARY OR ETERNAL?

    One who is always occupied with the desire and ambition for what this life has to offer does not have his affections set on things eternal.

Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is
not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful
pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
1 John 2:15-16
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated
at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
Colossians 3:1-2

- F.Y.C. is a monthly publication by Ron Adams. Bible references are from the NASB except where another translation is referenced. Back issues are archived at http://ra10ar.com Be thoughtful and kind. All rights reserved. © 2017