Complete, Fullness of Joy

Henry in the fenced in playground.  He doesn't see the fence that is
keeping him in, he just sees the wonderful things that await him inside.  

We have been given such liberty in Jesus.  He freed us from the penalty of our sins.  He gives us a new and clean heart and life.  His grace goes even further than our minds can comprehend.  Yet, so many see Christianity as a walled city with iron chains to bind them, physically, emotionally, artistically, and spiritually.  Nothing is further from the truth.  There is amazing freedom when you make the choice to follow Jesus and allow Him to change your life.

For you, brethren, have been called to 

liberty;

only do not use liberty as an opportunity

for the flesh,

but through love 

serve one another.

Galatians 5:13 NKJV

I think of it this way.  When you are born, your parents must do everything for you.  You cannot be left alone for years.  You cannot just go and do as you please because you may get hurt or even worse. The baby gate is to keep you safe because there are so many things that you can get into, not knowing that they can hurt you.

You many be born with a great artistic eye but until you learn certain things, you cannot reach your full potential.  As the years go by and you are growing, learning, getting stronger physically, emotionally, artistically and spiritually, your abilities are increasing and maturing.  Now your parents can let you have some freedom that you did not possess as an infant or toddler.  You can see where I am going here.  It's that way in our spiritual life.  

There are some things we are just not ready for as new Christians.  We have to learn our faith, grow in Christ.  Oh it is such a wonderful experience as you see the Word open up and understanding sets in. We grow stronger and then that leads us to serve someone else.  At times, what we see as barriers or fences, are just our spiritual baby gates to keep us from harming ourselves or someone else.  You will eventually outgrow that baby gate and as you mature, you will be instrumental in helping someone outgrow their baby gate.  

As we continue to grow, we enjoy more freedoms.  Do we still have to walk according to the Scripture and teachings of Jesus?  Yes, but in that we get to enjoy the fullness of joy, we are made Complete in Him.  It's a Wonderful Life.  

I just love this pic of my niece, CeCe.  Never too
old to enjoy the swing.