Secure the Perimeter

How secure is your perimeter from uninvited guests? In a study by the University of North Carolina, 41% of burglars admitted their crimes were opportunistic. So, it seems important that we remove the opportunity to be robbed by securing the perimeter of our home.

A study by the University of California found that homes with fences were less likely to be broken into. The National Institute of Standards and Technology found that homes with fences were three times less likely to be burglarized. Constructing a fence or barrier around one's property makes it a challenge for intruders to gain access to the home. Tall fences are difficult to climb over in a hurry, and they make it harder for intruders to plan their strategy.

The question we need to answer is this: "How do we secure the perimeter of our heart?"

In the Bible, the idea of a fence or fenced place is translated various ways, including “fence,” “fortified city,” “fortifications,” “wall,” and “hedge.” In distinction from walls of fortification, a fence was a less elaborate partition used in domestic areas like homes or farms. Mainly, though, the fence or hedge is an image of protection and safety against thieves or predators.

Satan pictures God’s protection of Job with the image of God’s having put a hedge around him:

Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. (Job 1:10)

In one of his parables, Jesus pictures the preparations that a good owner would undertake when planting a vineyard, including setting a hedge around it, digging a pit for a wine press, and building a tower to protect it.

Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. (Matthew 21:33)

The outer curtain enclosing the wilderness tabernacle also served as a fence, essentially setting apart the presence of the Most High God from those who would defile His dwelling-place.

Constructing a fence or barrier around ourselves can prevent unwanted intruders from defiling our hearts. It's truly a matter of securing our perimeters, setting ourselves apart from anything and everything that corrupts or defiles us.

Making God's Word a priority in our lives is the most powerful tool we can use to construct a sound perimeter around our hearts. Not only is God's Word the most powerful tool, but it is also the only effective tool for building and maintaining a fence or barrier around us.

Immersing one's life in the Word of God secures a perimeter around our hearts, protecting us from the fiery darts targeting those who are safe and secure in the presence of the Lord.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword.… (Hebrews 4:12)

The Word of God is like a sword that has two edges, cutting both ways and doing terrible damage to an aggressor. Ephesians 6:17 calls it “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”. The term “word” is taken from the Greek word rhema, which describes something that is spoken clearly, vividly, in unmistakable terms and undeniable language to your heart. 

Without knowledge of the Word of God actively at work in our lives, any word or temptation that enters our hearts can pollute, manipulate, mislead, and defile the Truth.

There is hope. We must use the Word of God to build a fence around our hearts. Separate ourselves from the world. Use worship as a powerful weapon against the enemy's assaults. Stay in communion with the Father at all times through prayer, worship, and obedience to the Word of God. Establish accountability relationships. Stay in close fellowship with other mature believers who will help, especially when in the throes of a spiritual battle over the flesh.

We're not left helpless or powerless against the enemy's schemes to pull us into ungodly behavior or lifestyles. We've been equipped to secure our perimeter, but we must pick up the sword of the Spirit and devour it, live it, use it, and share it! God's Word is Life!