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An
Outreach Publication of the Church of Christ at
Creekwood |
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Have
you ever owned a dog and kept it in your fenced-in
backyard for its own safety?
Steve Higginbotham has.
He writes: “We loved our dog,
Whitney!
We had a fenced in backyard where she could run
and chase birds and squirrels to her heart's content.
She was living a dog's life.
Pampered, petted, well fed, and loved.
However, one day she escaped the confines of
our yard, ran into the street, and was killed by a
passing truck. It
was a sad day for our family.”
Perhaps you can relate all too well to this
experience. But
this article isn't really about a DOG - it's about the
purpose of FENCES! Unfortunately, many consider the commands of God to be too restrictive and burdensome. Because of His commands, He is often viewed as a cruel tyrant. Nothing could be further from the truth.... God
loves us dearly!
In fact, He gave His own Son for us so that we
could become His children (see 1 John 3:1; 4:9-10).
Those who place their faith
in Jesus (Hebrews 11:6), repent
of their sins (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), confess
Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized
(immersed) in water for the forgiveness of sins (Acts
2:38) are welcomed into His family.
Yes, God has expectations for His children, but
these expectations are ALSO expressions of His love. God
has "fenced us in" by His commandments, not
as a punishment, but as protection.
There are things out there in the world that
will ultimately lead to our hurt and ruin (see
Proverbs 14:12).
God is not a kill-joy.
The rules and regulations He gives us, which
restrict our conduct, are given with the intent of
protecting us from harm.
Within the confines of the Christian lifestyle
are ALL the things a person needs to be happy,
satisfied, and fulfilled.
But what do we do?
We escape!
We break through the barrier that GOD
BUILT, and eventually we get hurt.
How it must break God's heart to witness his
children "break free" from his constraints
only to be hurt from the dangers He knew....were just
outside his "fence." Friends,
remember, the commandments of God are not GRIEVOUS,
but GOOD! God bless you. David A. Sargent, Minister
Church of Christ at Creekwood
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