Making Certain that the Fence is Secure

Read: Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 4:31-32; James 5:16

I have been calling this season "the winter of the wind." Don't get me wrong. I'm thankful for the climate here, and the Lord has on many occasions, spared us from the worst of storms. Even so, lately, the winds have seemed stronger than usual; so, when the gusts blow, I usually ask someone to look around to ensure that the fence that surrounds the backyard is still secure. A bit of background concerning the fence: When we moved into our home, there was no fence, and really, there was no yard either. Because of that, my husband and I began noticing things. For example, there was at least one cat that liked to consider the yard as his personal litter box. There were also some people whom we didn't know who would cut across the open area, and there were empty cans and bags that frequently made their way into the yard. Not to mention the brazen bunny. A story for another time. Suffice it to say that it was time for a fence, and getting the yard enclosed made all the difference. Occasionally, it has been necessary to make repairs on the fence when the boards became weathered and worn. A task that we have tried to do promptly. A good way to keep the plants and what they produce safe.

In the Bible, we learn about a very different fence. This fence isn't given to us to keep anyone out; instead, it is provided for us for our protection from the evil one who would like to tear apart the beautiful gift of unity that God has given to His born-again children, Ephesians 4:4-6; John 3:3. This "fence" keeps us close to each other and relying upon the Holy Spirit. Ready to reach out to those who do not yet know how much Jesus loves them John 3:16. This fence isn't made out of boards or chain link. It is made and kept strong by the "one another" passages in the Bible. We can't look at them all today, but if we may, let's look at just a few of the commands God has given us that secure us and keep us joyful and growing as we live for Jesus together with other believers.

1. Hebrews 10:24-25

If the one another passages are the fence, these verses from Hebrews 10 might be called the gate. A place to begin. We live in a busy world. So much to do and so many opportunities to consider. Yet, God wants to remind us that it is important that we continue to meet together. Evidently some people at the time of this writing had already drawn back from fellowship. There are many reasons the writer of Hebrews could have given concerning why God's people shouldn't neglect being together. Guided by the Holy Spirit, He chose to highlight the importance of spurring each other on to love and good deeds and encouraging each other. One of the ladies who I visit with most every week has such a love for our veterans. It shines through her, and it is easily seen by those with whom she talks. It is a joyful thing to tell her what a blessing she is as she lets the Holy Spirit flow out of her. We provide encouragement to each other through our interaction and even our smiles and hugs. Only the Lord knows how a brother or sister might be buoyed up as we meet together. Who can say how much needed sustenance someone might receive for the upcoming week as we worship and learn more about God together!

There is one more point in these two verses. It becomes more and more important to meet together as it gets closer to the Lord's return. As things become more dark and wearying, our encouragement held out to one another becomes more necessary.

2. Ephesians 4:31-32

What sweet protection is highlighted in these two verses. Ephesians 4:31 is a caldron boiling with ugliness. No wonder we are told to get rid of all these vices before they spew poison onto any life they touch. Bitterness is corrosive, and it spreads if it isn't checked and eliminated, and Ephesians 4:32 is the antidote, but Jesus' truth and power is the only way that this antidote can be dispensed. As always, Jesus doesn't command what He hasn't first enabled. He tells us to forgive and to treat one another with kindness and compassion. How can we do that? Only because of what the Master has already done on our behalf! We have been wholly and completely forgiven and cleansed through His atoning death on the cross, 1 John 2:1-2. Think of the list of sins He has completely erased. Think of the sins that we will commit that the Savior will never hold against us. Think of the charges that were against us that have been nailed to the cross, Colossians 2:14.  No wonder the Lord calls us to forgive and treat one another with compassion and kindness. We have each received a mercy deposit in our accounts that cannot be fathomed. There is no believer who should ever look with pride or superiority at another.

One more precious thing about forgiving. In order to forgive one another, we don't have to feel all sweetness and light. Sometimes, feelings don't agree with truth and what God says is right. In those cases, with God's enabling, we are told to act not upon how we feel but on truth; so, we choose kindness and forgiveness, Matthew 5:43-48. As we do that, we resemble our Father Who shows His kindness to all. He provides needed rain and sunshine to those who love him and those who don't. How beautiful kindness and compassion looks not only to each other but also to anyone who might be watching.

3. James 5:16

Wow, what a challenging verse, but what a sweet promise too! First the challenge. God wants us to tell someone that there is an issue in our lives where we struggle. Can we do this? Maybe over coffee or sitting on the sofa? Not a long list of everything we can think of going back through the last three decades. How about one thing simply put and made known so we could pray together about it. God will work through a prayer like that. He wants to help us eliminate what Song of Solomon calls "the little foxes" that spoil the vines, Song of Solomon 2:15. Those sins and habits that are causing friction with loved ones or other believers. Someone might be thinking that if she/he admits to struggling in an area, it might be broadcast all over the neighborhood or church. That's why we need to be people that others can rely on to keep a confidence. God didn't give this exhortation to bring pain but to bring healing. There is beauty in even small changes in our lives, and they will be seen as we are transparent and pray together.

What a good fence we have. Next week, Lord willing Part Two.