Out of Bounds.

There is one thing we all must understand. We are a wilderness people. Like the children of Israel, we have been delivered from our former land of slavery (Exod 20:1-2), by the Lord and Creator of the universe. His name is the LORD. He is Yahweh.

What does it mean to be a wilderness people? Negatively stated, it means that we are no longer under the reign and rule of our previous master (sin) - or, Egypt to keep the Israelite analogy. Positively, it means that we have a new master. But here is the "wilderness-rub" so to speak; we are not yet in the Land that He promised us. We are in the "in-between" - in the wilderness. Things aren't perfect yet, though we are under the care of He who is perfect.

It is important to manage expectations in the Christian life. One is easily persuaded (because of our moralistic society) that to be a Christian means to be perfect - to be sinless. Perfection, however, is not characteristic of a wilderness people. We will be perfected; but not until glory. Here is where our expectations must be managed and brought quickly into Biblical reality. In the wilderness we will have hardships and trials. We will get hungry (Num 11). We will get thirsty (Exod 17). These physical cravings are meant to remind us of our spiritual nature. Remember this. And the Law of God (Exod 20), gives us the boundaries that are needed in order to keep us spiritual and not earthly.

Here is the point. Understand, Christian, that you are a spiritual stranger in an earthly wilderness. The indigenous of the [earthly] land would have you stay earthly. So would your "old person" who tempts you to follow along with them. But our gracious Father, who is Spirit, and who is worshiped in Spirit and in truth, has given us His Law to let us know and guide us in Christ, in our true spiritual home - where we are completely filled and accepted.

What is in your life that tempts you to reach beyond the boundaries of His Law? What things attract you and pull you so much that you are willing to forget God? Is it work? Is it money? Is it sex? What, in other words, are your idols (Exod 20:4)?

Here is the truth to sooth your weary soul. You, Christian, are a spiritual being in an earthly wilderness. Earthly things are created by God for your thankful enjoyment. In short, they are meant to glorify God and not to become glorified. They are given by God and were never meant to give what only God can give (satisfaction and acceptance). When a grateful child receives a toy, they throw the toy down and hug the Giver of the toy (then proceed after a time of thanksgiving, to play with the toy). An ungrateful child, on the other hand, takes the toy and runs to play - who cares who gave it. In this case the toy is the idol.

What are the toys in your life that cause you to either use God or forget Him?

I challenge you and encourage you now. The next time you are tempted to reach out of bounds for some earthly toy, simply direct your attention and thoughts heavenward; where Christ is. Then say a small prayer and declaration - "Thank you Christ for making me perfectly acceptable to God the Father. Thank you Christ for filling me and satisfying me. I am fully accepted, loved and satisfied in You. Holy Spirit, help me to resist this temptation. Thank you. Amen."

Onward Christian Soldier. Murder your idols. Dethrone them, in Christ, forever.