The other day my wife and I were sitting on our porch with our goldendoodle, Morgan (half golden retriever & half standard poodle - not really a "mans" dog). We are proud to say that after two years of training her (invisible fencing) she is one obedient dog. However, right before our very eyes, Morgan just got up and walked away from us as though the invisible fencing didn't exist. She was heading out to explore the "outer" world.
What about people? No matter how wide the parameters or broad the boundary markers, there is something that pulls us across the fence.
Pastor Tim Stevens in his book, Pop Goes the Church, describes the pull to go elsewhere like this:
Your marriage is great, but there is a relationship just across the fence that is interesting and exciting.
You have enough money, but you think the amount of money just across the fence would make you happier or give you more freedom.
Your job is good, but the guy across the fence seems happier.
You love your church, but you've heard all about the bells and whistles about that one church, and you wonder if you should check it out.
You're doing great watching your weight, but it stinks to have to count every calorie. That juicy cheeseburger just across the fence surely won't take you too far off track.
In your yard you are single, surely the married yard is better. Or you are married and wish you were single again. Or you don't have kids and wish you did. Or you have kids and can't wait until they are out of the house, like the couple across the fence who has total freedom with their time.
Yes, there is something enticing about the "possibilities" across the fence. You can pray this week that God gives me the wisdom to enjoy my own yard, and the courage to deny the temptations from across another yard. I'll pray the same for you.
