Jesse sat cross-legged, mesmerized by the dancing campfire enjoying its crackle and smoky aroma. He remembered watching fire dancers. If he could twirl fire, he’d show the school hotshots. He didn’t realize how close he’d inched to the fire until he heard his dad’s sharp voice.
“Don’t get too close. Fire can pop and spread.” His father pointed to the circle he’d marked. “Never cross this line without supervision.”
One night, while Jesse’s parents talked, he slipped out of his sleeping bag and crept to the backside of the fire. Making sure no one was looking, he tiptoed past his dad’s boundary. He picked up a stick and tried to extract a burning log. Losing his balance he thrust out a hand to catch himself. Sparks ignited his sleeve. Screaming, he fled, but flames raced up his clothing.
His father flung his jacket over him and smothered the flames. He gently carried him to their van. The ride to the hospital was a blur.
Despite months of painful medical attention, ugly blotches replaced the smooth skin of his hands and arm. The sunshine he used to enjoy now stung his tender skin. Instead of gaining respect, he’d lost the simple pleasures he’d taken for granted. He winced at the sight of his father’s scarred hands—scars that came from rescuing him.
What’s the Purpose of God’s Limits?
Have you noticed the parallels between our bodies and souls? They both need rest, nourishment, and protection. We can’t see our souls, but our choices can scar them too. And souls outlast physical bodies.
Sin destroys as surely as fire. Remember James’s warning.
Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death (James 1:14 NLT).
Eve lived in a world with only one wrong choice. You know the story. The devil made that one restriction seem like the only thing worth desiring. He started the lie that God’s limits restrict instead of reward.
We all–including the Savior—wear the scars of Adam and Eve’s rebellion. Wrong choices call from every corner. If eating a piece of forbidden fruit could cause such havoc in a perfect place, do we think we’ll be the first to play with sin and not get burned?
I read on Facebook these words from the Andy Griffith show.
When Barney told Andy he should just let Opie “decide for himself” how he wanted to live… Andy had these words of wisdom.
“No, I’m afraid it don’t work that way. You can’t let a young’n decide for himself. He’ll grab at the first flashy thing with shiny ribbons on it. Then, when he finds out there’s a hook in it, it’s too late. Wrong ideas come packaged with so much glitter that it’s hard to convince ‘em that other things might be better in the long run. All a parent can do is say ‘wait’ and ‘trust me’ and try to keep temptation away.”
Like the serpent of old, today’s culture dangles shiny ribbons just outside God’s limits. It hands our children burning sticks and dares them to dance. It paints God’s boundaries as cruel thieves of pleasure and fulfillment. We need a sure compass.
God’s holy love is that compass, for God’s limits are loving. Real pleasure and fulfillment are found only within His protective will. And our great High Priest stands ready to help us in our time of need (Heb. 4:14-18).
Hey, I could use your help. I’m preparing for the launch of my new book, Little Strength, Big God. Yay! If you have an Amazon and/or Goodreads account, would you please consider following my author pages on Goodreads and Amazon? Thanks so much!
God’s limits are loving. And real pleasure and fulfillment are found only within His protective will. #truth, #wisdom Click To TweetBlessings,
Resources: God’s Limits
- Focus on the Family shared this Youtube presentation by Jackie Hill Perry on Leaving Homosexuality and Finding Forgiveness.
. - Did you know that paganism is growing in popularity? Sounds eerily similar to apostate Judah before her collapse (Jere. 17:2-3).
. - How You View God Matters When You Face Temptation
. - Biblical Encouragement
The Law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much pure gold;
Sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, Your servant is warned by them;
In keeping them there is great reward (Ps. 19:7-11 NASB).
Photo by Bournes senruoB on Unsplash
Sometimes I link with these great sites:
#InspireMeMonday, #InstaEncouraements, #TellHisStory and here , #Let’sHaveCoffee, #Recharge Wednesday, #Grace&Truth
LOVE this post and the example of Jesse and fire were so perfect! Thanks, Debbie. You consistently point the way we are to go in our journey with Him. I never fail to appreciate you and did sign up to follow you. Looking forward to the new book.
So many people view God as a harsh rule giver without comprehending the limits are because of His love. He gives parameters to protect us. Thanks for this thought provoking post, Debbie.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Barbara. I know we share the same mission of helping people walk with God.
Thank you, Pam! I appreciate you. Thanks so much for following. I’m learning as I go.
A very important lesson to learn and to teach our children and grandchildren.
Ann, it’s scary to see how we fall for the same ole lies, that God is holding out on us instead of protecting us.
Debbie, you’ve perfectly explained a topic where there’s much confusion. “We all–including the Savior—wear the scars of Adam and Eve’s rebellion.” This line reminds me no sin is personal. When I think of the pain Jesus bore for my sins, I’m more inclined to stay within God’s limits. Thank you!
Annie, that is so true. Others suffer when we sin, and we suffer when they sin.
Fire is dangerous and so are temptations. As you point out, God’s limits are loving. He not only saves us, His role as a Father models our own parenting. Thank you, Debbie, for this message of love and hope.
Thank you, Katherine!
How blessed we are in knowing that our sin-scarred lives are seen as beautiful before God’s eyes, because of them being covered by Christ’s redeeming blood. What an inspirational post Ms. Debbie, filled with truth and compassion ma’am.
Yes, J.D. Unlike human fathers, our Father can heal and restore us.
“We need a sure compass.” God’s boundaries are for our protection and for our good. May we be faithful to teach our children and grandchildren of those boundaries as well.
Amen. Thanks for reading, Joanne
Thank you Debbie for sharing about this truth. We need the protection of God’s boundaries. Outside of them is death.
Yes. He longs to protect us and sees the harm we can’t see. Thanks, Yvonne.
This is a powerful piece, Debbie. Even children eventually learn that boundaries and limits show how much parents love and care for us. Kids who are abandoned or in state custody share these sentiments. I’m so thankful the heavenly Father loves and cares for His children by giving us limits for our own good and His glory.
Karen, you’re right. Children may balk, but their parent’s limits let them know they love them. Thanks for reading.