VATIC Expressions
Truth, Transparency, Transformation
The Invisible Fence
by Brian ONeil
There are two dogs that roam the yard of a house adjacent to our church building. I call them “Frick” and “Frack.” They look identical right down to the collars they wear. They have appointed themselves protectors of the block and take their jobs pretty seriously. You don't have to do anything to them, just walk out the front door like I do, and they will make you aware of their displeasure. They do not discriminate, even passing vehicles are fair game.
I couldn't help but notice one day as they ran back and forth frantically barking, because I innocently came outside to get something from the trunk of my car, that they never left the yard and charged at me. In fact, they got to a certain point in the yard and just barked as loud as they could. That's when I noticed the collars that they wore. They both had special collars on that were programmed to administer a small shock as they got near the edge of the yard. After repeatedly being shocked the dogs became obedient to the invisible boundary. The boundary is not physically there. It, however, exists in the mind of the animals that repeatedly experienced pain as they tried to leave the yard. Most of what holds us back is not physically there. We have become victims of repeated painful experiences that have trained us not to dare leave our situations for fear of experiencing more pain. Having been properly programmed by pain, we run back and forth frantically, like Frick and Frack, barking loudly with no real ability to follow through on any promise. We appear able, qualified, courageous, even intimidating, but so do they. However, the fact remains, they are programmed, and the inner program is ruling the outer appearance.
I noticed the other day that Frick and Frack no longer had collars on, but they still don't cross the invisible boundary. We no longer are slaves to sin either. Sometimes we have to be reminded so that the renewing of our minds can release the awesome benefits of freedom. The collar is off.
"It is for freedom that Christ has made us free." (Galatians 5:1) Permission granted to leave the yard. #collarless
© 2016 Brian O'Neil