A Dog on a Leash

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A dog on a leash.

It sees something it wants and runs toward it.

The leash gradually tightens... and all of a sudden, the dog is quite effectively reminded of the boundaries to which it belongs. Finding itself upside down, on the ground, and still very connected to its leash, the dog catches its breath.

Yet, the dog makes this mistake over and over. You would think it would learn one of these times, right!? 

Sometimes, my heart feels like that dog on its leash. I run to the limitations of my heart, only to find that having a leash is actually a very good thing. The leash is there to keep me from harm - to keep my life from being hit by a car, from getting lost, etc.

Even when the reminder hurts, every time I overstep my limits I am reminded that freedom starts within constraint. I must learn to be content within the limitations of my freedom, because it is only in that limitation that true freedom can be found. 

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"Freedom is not so much the absence of restrictions as finding the right ones, those that fit with the realities of our own nature and those of the world. So, the commandments of God in the Bible are a means of liberation." -Tim Keller, Every Good Endeavor

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In his book, Every Good Endeavor, Keller uses the example of a fish living in water, saying that a fish is free to live when (and only when) it is in water, able to breathe as it was designed. Yet, if the fish were to go explore the land, it would die. If a dog leaves its leash, it may encounter that which it was not designed to encounter. It's that simple.

In the same way, when we live outside of the limitations of God's law, we encounter that which we were not designed for. 

We are free to live when we live in accordance with the commands of the Bible. Whatever analogy works for you, know that God has not put the law of His Word in place to keep you from being free. Rather, God's law teaches us that true freedom is found in (and only in) surrendering our lives to Him. 

Learn to stay within the boundaries of your "leash," and in so doing, learn that freedom is NOT the absence of constraint. Embrace God's law, because He is the one who created your heart FOR freedom. Live in that freedom, and use it for God's purpose. 

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"Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God." -1 Peter 2:16

"For you were called to freedom, brothers, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." -Galatians 5:13 

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For the purpose of freedom, the story of Jesus' love for you offers you life. It is an upside-down sort of life and "freedom," guarded by the limitations of God's law.

God's Word is the authority and the guard over your life. Throughout history God has been the author of life out of death, freedom out of surrender, and joy out of sorrow. How He does this is one of the most beautiful mysteries, and one of the most magnificent reminders of God's power over all of creation. The "leash" is a good gift. Trust it. Trust the author. Live in freedom. 



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