checking fences

If you've ever been around a working ranch, you probably possess some knowledge about the amount of time devoted to 'riding fence.'  Down through the past decades the chore has been accomplished on horseback, on the seat of a pickup truck, and even on a four-wheeler.  The evolution of the means to get the job done emphasizes how important the task is.

Riding fence or 'checking fence' is strictly a preventative measure.  Done often and with great care, it prevents cattle or other livestock from wandering off the property and becoming lost and endangered.
Valuable time that should be spent on other tasks is not lost to searching for and rounding up the strays.

And isn't that what fences are for...to keep things inside (usually) or to keep other things out.  Maintaining the complete integrity of the fence is a priority.  Riding the perimeter, checking with an eagle-eye for breaks or gaps and repairing them swiftly and efficiently.  A job well-done protects the entire operation and cuts down considerably on losses.

And that got me to thinking...

Perhaps our own lives are a bit like that ranch.  We were given a space on this earth to 'occupy,' until the Master comes.  He lovingly built a 'hedge of protection' around us to keep us from the evil one.  But, He also gave us free-will.  Even though we belong to Him, we still have choices to make everyday.  We can be finely attuned to His soft voice and obey or we can ignore it and choose our own way.  Therefore, we are constantly checking fences.  We must question our motives.  "If I make this choice, what will the consequences be for me and those I care about? Will this choice break down my protective barrier? Will there be more work from damage control when I choose to willfully tear down my own fence?"

Keep your fences in good order. "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" Micah 6:8.
"Master, which is the great commandment in the law?  37) Jesus said unto him,"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38) This is the first and great commandment.  39) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.  40) On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:36-40

Every choice we make should involve this knowledge...that we know what is good for us.  We know what pleases God, and we know that anything contrary will only break down our hedge of protection.

Don't allow careless words or foolish thoughts or deeds to break down the barrier.  Check your fences.  Keep them repaired and enjoy all the goodness the Lord desires for you.  Well, friends, it's almost daybreak.  You'll have to excuse me now; I've got fences to check.  Have a blessed day.