Free Behind the Fence
A village was situated on a hilltop. Surrounding it was a fence,
which covered a fairly large perimeter. The fence had only one gate
through which the villagers moved in and out. It kept the citizens
in and kept strangers out. Houses had no doors because people
trusted one another. The fence also kept children from falling off
sharp cliffs. Little ones were free to play in the open fields. The
community was busy and there was much laughter and joy. One day at
a village council meeting, some people complained that the fence
was restrictive. They felt they could not roam freely. Others
disagreed. After many days of hot debate and deliberation, the
council finally decided to tear down the perimeter fence.
When it was removed, the village changed significantly. Strangers
came to the village and many things were reported stolen from
homes. People began to build doors to safeguard their property.
They became less trusting and open. Some boys almost fell off a
cliff while at play. Parents began to forbid their children to go
outside. The village became much quieter and no laughter was heard
in the fields.
We often think that freedom means no limits. But ironically, we
enjoy true freedom only behind the fenceone that is established by
the omniscient and omnipotent God to protect us and not just to
bind us. These limits are found in Gods Word and are to be
observed in our lives.
As Christians, we have found freedom in Jesus, but it is not
without boundaries. We are not free to do anything we like. The
exercise of our Christian freedom must not become a stumbling block
to the weak. In 1 Corinthians 6:12, we see that our freedom should
not cause us to act without self-control or respond in the wrong
way. Lets enjoy our freedom and lets also appreciate Gods fence!
Lim Chien Chong
bottom line: Christians are free from sin, but not free to sin.