The two words fence and freedom just do not seem as if they can even be in the same sentence together. When someone thinks of a fence, usually the thought of boundaries and restrictions come to mind; however, really a fence provides freedom. When we go to Junior Camp in the summer, the camp has a pack of horses. As long as those horses stay within the boundaries of the fence that surrounds the pasture, then they have the freedom to run or rest, graze in the pasture or drink from the stream, roll around in the sand pit or wash off in the pond. Within the confines of the fence they have much freedom. However, I remember one morning when they had broken the fence and escaped. Although there was more room outside of the fence to roam around than there was inside, conversely there was no freedom because immediately the workers went and herded them back into the fence.

As a parent, it is your responsibility to teach your children the principle that there is freedom in the fence. The “fence” is the boundaries and biblical guidelines that you set up for your child, and as long as they stay within those boundaries, they have freedom. Nevertheless, once they break the rules and step outside of the fence, their freedom is diminished. This a principle that you must not only teach but also enforce. This may not be a popular concept with your child, but it is only because of the stage that they are currently at in their life that they cannot understand it.

Take for example a child who is playing in his own fenced in backyard. When he sees that fence, he thinks of it as an object that confines him and keeps him blocked in. On the contrary, a parent sees that same fence in a much different light. A parent sees the fence as a way of keeping all of the possible problems and strange people out of the backyard. You are not trying to shackle your child from fun; you are trying to shelter them from foes. Fences are necessary for both the physical safety and spiritual development of your child. Determine that you will set up, build, and repair the fences while enforcing and teaching your children that truly there is freedom in the fence.

Tim Rabon, Jr.

Children's Ministry Director

Email

919.872.2215 x129

@timrabonjr