Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Integrity (04/11/24)
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TITLE: Parable of the Hedge | Previous Challenge Entry
By Donna Martelli
04/17/24 -
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All is secure and going according to plan until just before harvest time, when a storm destroys several feet of the fence.
Imagine the delight of wild animals and insects who rush in to demolish the plentiful banquet. In a very short time, the entire crop is destroyed.
In this parable, the farm represents my life; the crops are the fruits of the Spirit that manifest as I follow Jesus. Because I belong to Him and have determined to live according to His Word, He provides a fence around me, which protects me from harm. The Bible calls it a "hedge of protection." All is well as long as the integrity of the hedge remains.
In the Bible, a hedge of protection is a spiritual defense against attacks from the devil or any harm that may come my way. It forms a boundary that surrounds me spiritually.
Job 1:10 (ESV) says, "Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side?" This verse acknowledges God's protective care for Job and his possessions.
However, just as the broken fence in the parable assures the entrance of harm to the crops on the farm, a breach in my spiritual hedge permits the entrance of deceit and evil into my life that devours the fruit of the Spirit in me. How could such a thing happen? The only one who could cause such a devastating breach is none other than myself.
Any disobedience will cause a breach and, therefore, a loss of protection, but may I submit that a major one begins in my mouth?
" A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit." Proverbs 15:4 (KJV)
Convicting and plainly stated, this verse admonishes me to allow the Holy Spirit to control my tongue. Anything I speak that contradicts God's Word or doubts Him or His abilities and principles causes a breach.
There is only one way to close the breach and restore God's protection. It is by confession and repentance, the same as with any sin.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)
Beyond words, my actions must conform to the Word, lest I forfeit my hedge's integrity and, thus, my protection.
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