“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.“ (Romans 18:14)

I try to walk with my little Italian Greyhound daily. She’s a bundle of energy, and needs regular exercise. We live way out in the country, so this is easily accomplished. She’s also a sighthound, which means she’s liable to bolt after anything that moves in the blink of an eye. Many iggys get lost because of this tendency. In order to keep her safe, while also allowing her to run, play, explore, get her steps in and live her best life, I keep her tethered on a twenty foot line for our daily walks. 

Recently, I took my little grandson for a walk down our driveway. We were only walking part of the way because he’s too little to walk very far. Not wanting to take the time to get the long line, I took a chance, and allowed my dog to walk untethered.

I noticed almost immediately that she wasn’t her usual fun loving self. She walked close to my feet, looking around with unsure eyes. It dawned on me that the cause of her odd behavior was fear. Without the light tug of her lead, she felt unsafe.

Many people look from the outside, and view living within the parameters of Christian values to be restricting. They want to be free to live however they want to, however, they simply don’t understand what true freedom is. Freedom in Jesus is freedom from sin, not to sin. This is true freedom.

Not only are we free from sin, we are also free to live our most productive, exciting and rewarding lives, safe within the parameters of the tether of Holy Ghost. Part of spiritual maturity is realizing that godly boundaries are not to keep us from living our best life. They are designed by God to keep us safe while we do.

Perhaps you feel restricted, and are pushing at the limits of your Holy Ghost tether. What will you do when God releases His hold, and allows you to have your way? What is waiting for you that is better than the family of God? What will you do? How far will you go? Will you be able to find your way back home?

Maybe you’re already living with the repercussions of your mad dash. Sure, you’ve seen some sights, and had some fun, but night is coming, and you’re beginning to feel anxious. Maybe you’re longing for the security of His tethering Spirit.

Let me encourage you to stop, and go back to the place you made your great escape. The Lord is right there with open arms, waiting for your return. Not with anger or judgement, but with joy, and loving compassion.

Blessings In Jesus’ Name!

-Pat