Fences Bring Freedom

We all had gone astray like sheep, all following our own way. (Isaiah 53:6)

A home with a fenced-in backyard is a gift to families with young children and pets. The fence provides a barrier for them to roam freely and play comfortably without fear of wandering off into danger. Indeed, fencing around a backyard is typically the first thing added upon purchasing a new home.

Similarly, clearly defined boundaries at a reception, a competition, or a visit to a guest house put all of us at ease. We know what we are supposed to do and, conversely, what we are not. We like knowing where, when, and how we are supposed to act; explicit expectations put us at ease. We feel free to relax within the comfortable confines of clearly marked boundaries.

More importantly, fencing and boundaries declare that those things within are precious and valuable. Fences not only keep dogs and kids within; they keep unwanted intruders out. Boundaries, whether physical, psychological, or spiritual, make clear that something within is worthy of protection. A boundary serves to consecrate, in the most literal sense—makes sacred that which is within.

The Ten Commandments, our first spiritual “fence,” was God’s consecration of us, His children. He made these boundaries for us so that we would be protected from the evil whims of others “outside” of the fence. He also wanted us to be safe from our imperfect and ever-changing passions.

When you cry out, let your collection of idols save you. All these the wind shall carry off, a mere breath shall bear them away; But whoever takes refuge in me shall inherit the land, and possess my holy mountain. (Isaiah 57:13)

Living without boundaries is not freedom, as some may maintain. Rather, it results in aimless wandering through life. It generates the bouncing from one passion to the next, the chasing after the latest fad, the transforming into the newest popular identity. Without boundaries, you end up walking in useless circles, searching desperately for that consecration—that sense of self-sacredness—which only can be found when you accept the love and protection of the One who wants only what is best for you. Without boundaries, you are subject to the use—and misuse—of those who only want for you what is best for themselves. The world cares not for us. It only cares to use us, and soon “no” becomes “whatever,” and objective truth melts into relativism. Nothing can be wrong when everything can be right.

We find the freedom to be ourselves, our very best selves, the precious sons or daughters whom we were created to be, only when we live within His boundaries, His fence which proclaims our sacredness to the world.

Only our Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who made us uniquely brilliant, beautiful, and blessed, cares enough to protect and lovingly welcome us back again when we jump those fences.

We must cherish those boundaries and eagerly live inside of them, for only within them are we truly free.