The Fence

Never envy evil people, but always respect the Lord. Proverbs 23:17 ERV
But test everything. Keep what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 ERV

There are times in our life when the other side of the fence seems to look better, and the grass is greener, right? I suppose it is normal, after all we are only human. That fence could be the barrier between us and something that’s not good for us. The grass may not really be that green when we get there. Truth is, we will almost always be disillusioned and disappointed in jumping that tempting fence.

What would the fence be to you? The temptation of your first alcoholic drink? Or maybe a ‘recreational drug’ to loosen you up at a party? Or smoking some weed? Or the neighbour’s wife or husband? Or maybe the work colleague that you spend as much time with as your spouse? Or to be more like your pals, going where they go and doing as they do? Sadly, it might also be that other church or pastor/preacher that seems to be more appealing. The fence is there for good reason, and we need to recognise this and treat it like the adults we are.

Here’s another home truth. Once you have jumped the fence and tasted the new, perhaps forbidden fruit, you cannot undo the jump you made, or pretend you didn’t do it when you realise that giving in to the temptation was so wrong for you. Might be a good idea to think about the others who would be affected by your actions, perhaps with a resulting loss of respect, or even their love. It could also apply to parents, a spouse, children, friends, and even those you know nothing of, who may be looking on from a safe distance. Every action has a reaction, and a consequence for either good or bad, and not always thought through in the heat of the moment. That is the difference between knowledge and wisdom. As Solomon said, “Never envy evil people, but always respect the Lord.” Always!