My husband and I zipped along I-95 South, near Washington DC, on a section of interstate that never sleeps. Among the mostly courteous drivers, a few wanna-be race car drivers cut in and out too close for comfort. I marveled at how a tight space could hold so many speeding vehicles. That changed when we reached an area marked, “Warning: Unmarked Pavement Ahead.”
Without the markings to define our lanes, the space that had comfortably held four lanes of speeding traffic abruptly shrank to three lanes of slowed traffic. The white lines that limited lane space also increased speed and safety.
I imagined I-95 without marked lanes and shuddered. Then I thought of our culture. In the name of freedom, we’ve erased timeless limits that protect the liberty and well-being of all.
Defined limits provide safety and ease even in a crowded parking lot. In a populated world, we need clear boundaries to prosper.
Defined limits provide safety and ease even in a crowded parking lot. In a populated world, we need clear boundaries to prosper. #RechargeWednesday @debbiewwilson Click To TweetThe Bible provides timeless parameters to protect our travel through life. When we navigate within those limits, we avoid wrecks and heartaches.
The Problem with Religious Rules
Human additions to God’s laws become heavy chains that cause people to rebel against God’s perfect law of liberty (James 1:25) and unprofitable.
‘Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!’? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires” (Col. 2:21-23 NLT).
Jesus understands. He invites us to come to Him so He can teach us how to live without heavy burdens. Even better, He promises to walk with us.
Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light’” (Matthew 11:28-30 NLT).
The Problem with License
Perhaps, repulsed by legalism, other believers have swung to the opposite extreme. They dismiss God’s instructions. In contrast, the Bible shows how God’s commandments serve as guardrails of liberty.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Cor. 3:17 NASB).
Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome” (1 Jn. 5:3 NLT).
We avoid the potholes of human nature and sin so we can enjoy life’s journey when we walk His path in the power of the Holy Spirit. God’s Word clearly marks out our lanes (Ps. 119:105).
We avoid the potholes of human nature and sin so we can enjoy life's journey when we walk His path in the power of the Holy Spirit. God’s Word clearly marks out our lanes. @DebbieWWilson Click To TweetTrustworthy Limits
In Satan’s conversation with Eve, he portrayed God to be like him, a liar and a thief who steals our freedom and joy (Gen. 3; Jn. 8:44, 10:10). Nothing could be further from the truth. As we remember God’s character, we won’t fall for our culture’s lies.
The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The commandments of the Lord are right,
bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
giving insight for living” (Ps. 19:7-8 NLT).
Don’t be duped. Biblical instructions on right and wrong keep life’s interstates safe for you and your loved ones.
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Thanks for guidance, Debbie, in seeing God’s rules as loving boundaries for our protection and an invitation into TRUE freedom!
Thank you, Michele!
Debbie, this >> “As we remember God’s character, we won’t fall for our culture’s lies.” So grateful for God’s Truth which keeps us on the right path and living in freedom. Blessings!
Me too, Joanne!
There is freedom, not bondage, in a disciplined life. I appreciate the boundaries that God gives us, not only for our own lives, but to keep others from bumping into us as well. 🙂
Lisa, that is exactly right, when we live within them.
What a helpful and encouraging illustration! I was driving on the highway in a storm the other day and was reminded how terrible it is to drive when you can’t see the lanes- or far ahead, or all the cars around you. Now the memory of that will be framed in light of faith. Thank you!
Bethany, you’ve just added to my picture. Those who have listened to our culture’s confusing messages live in a strom of blurred lanes. Thank you.
Spot on, my friend, and such a needed word for everyone in this time of chaos. We resist boundaries often and yet fail to recognize God has always outlined boundaries for our good and his glory. Mankind has been plagued with a desire to avoid or amend them ever since the Garden of Eden. More and more we want to feel that freedom means “no limits” and the enemy of our souls would dupe us even as he duped Eve. Great anointed words, Deb!
Pam, you said it well. Chaos, not freedom, comes from lack of boundaries, Thank you!
Powerful analogy, Debbie. That situation on the interstate with no marked lines would have caused me much anxiety. Love this thought, “The Bible provides timeless parameters to protect our travel through life. When we navigate within those limits, we avoid wrecks and heartaches.” Thank you!
Karen, you’re right. It was stressful as all the cars had to watch each other more closely. Thanks, friend.
Great thoughts, Debbie. Such a fine line sometimes. laurensparks.net
Thank you, Lauren.
There’s great wisdom to be found in your metaphor, Debbie. Thank you!
Thank you, Debbra. I love it when God gives me a visual example of a spiritual truth.
I believe it is Gretchen Fleming who says, ” Stay in your own lane. ” I think His love is freedom, to rest and be favored. Grace isn’t cheap, it cost Him everything. He fulfilled the law and His Commandment is to love. Some people are just harder to love or won’t receive it.
Thanks, Rebecca.