God's Guidance and Good Fences

 

In his farewell address of 1796, George Washington famously stated, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to a political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.” A couple of years later John Adams said, “We have no government armed in power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion.” We can see the results of unbridled human passions. As we consume the media reports and learn of those advocating anarchy; as we see people beaten and terrorized at “anti-hate” rallies; while we are surrounded by so much turmoil, we seek answers. Anyone claiming to be able to govern one’s self or country without God is confused and mistaken. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12). “I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

[2 Peter 1:3-9] An old classic western song pleads, “Don’t fence me in.” All of us like our freedom, but at the same time we recognize a need for fences. They keep ours in and there’s out, give us privacy, offer protection, beautify and enhance value, establish ownership and identify boundaries. Though they restrict freedom in some ways, in others they also offer freedom and protect it! Let us make a spiritual application as we consider various kinds of fences. * Barbed Wire Fence: Don’t carelessly grab hold of this fence. It is a no-nonsense fence that intends to establish boundaries to keep stuff in or out. It establishes ownership and protects that which is owned. The Word of God is a barbed wire fence (John 12:44-50; Revelation 21:24-27). * Spite Fence: This fence is designed to send a hateful message. Hard-hearted persons, void of God’s love, who display hate and vengeance toward others fall into this category (1 John 4:20-21). * Storm Fence: Here is a rugged fence intended to establish boundaries, protect ownership, keep out undesirables, and withstand the weather’s efforts to tear it down. It is built to stand through all kinds of hardship. Christians should be like this (1 Corinthians 15:58). * Farm Fence: Again we have a simple but rugged fence built to last, establish boundaries, to keep stock in and intruders out. It is practical and functional, doing its job day in and day out. It is another portrait of what Christians should be (Luke 9:23; 2 Timothy 4:1-5). * Privacy Fence: Its basic message is KEEP OUT! It is anti-social and discriminate. Narrow minded persons who would bind where the Bible does not, fit this category (Romans 16:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20). * Electric Fence: The primary function of this fence is to limit access in or out. It will deliver a shocking experience to anyone who touches it and will certainly discourage them from crossing the boundary it establishes. The Bible functions in this way. Entrance into or exit from the kingdom of God is governed by its precepts (John 8:32; 17:17; Acts 2:38-47; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-27). * Landscape Fence: This fence has no functional purpose other than to look good and enhance beauty. It is entirely superficial, is not really built to last, and is often changed on a whim. It is very liberal, establishing no boundaries and protecting nothing. Those who profess to be Christians outwardly but are not inwardly, and who would loose where God has bound are like this fence (James 2; Philippians 1:17). Tearing it all down; “burning it down”; destroying what God has established will only lead to chaos and compromise outside of God’s love and protection.