06/28/2026
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” — Proverbs 14:12
As you know if you follow this page, we have a decent-sized flock of chickens. The other day while I was mowing, I took this picture after the Holy Spirit showed me something about how we are a lot like these chickens, and I wanted to share it.
During the summer, we have to limit their range so they don’t destroy the garden. They still have plenty of room, but they’re restricted to an area inside a net fence. Within that fence they have the safety of their coop, their run, and plenty of hiding places from predators. Some days, one or maybe two get out.
For a few minutes it seems to enjoy the freedom—snacking on fresh grass and easy bugs. But before long it realizes it’s separated from the flock. It starts running the perimeter of the fence, desperately looking for a way back in. The longer it stays out, the more frantic the search becomes. It’ll wear itself out running laps around that fence.
Then, if danger appears—a hawk screeches, or one of the boys or I gets close on the mower—it goes into full-blown panic. Outside the fence it can’t get to the safety of the run or the hiding places we’ve made for it. Eventually we'll corner it, pick it up, and put it safely back inside.
Sometimes I wonder why they don’t just learn their lesson and stay inside.
Well, we are a lot like these chickens at times. We step outside of God’s will—outside the boundaries He has lovingly established for our good. We get too close to the guardrails, or sometimes we climb over them altogether. The enticements of this world lure us beyond God’s safety net.
Maybe we distance ourselves from God’s people because of hidden sin. Church attendance becomes sporadic. Bible reading and prayer become occasional, or only when we need something from God - rather than because we want to draw closer to him.
And the devil is like that hawk. He sees us out there, where we ought not be. He sees us from a ways off. The dangerous hawks aren’t the ones that screech. I’ve lost a few chickens to hawks, and the smart ones never make a sound. They simply wait for the right opportunity, then come in to attack. Satan works the same way.
He doesn’t come marching down your driveway wearing a red suit with a bull horn and carrying a pitchfork. He watches. He waits. He studies your weaknesses. Then, when you’re isolated and vulnerable, he attacks.
The good news is that, in His mercy and grace, God welcomes us back. We simply have to repent and turn to Him. We should remain close so that when we get outside his will, when we sin, we quickly know, are convicted and return.
But we should also take His warnings seriously.
I’ve heard Gracie say more than once about the chickens, “Leave those stupid things out there—they’ll learn their lesson.” The problem is, they may die while learning said lesson.
Scripture tells us that persistent rebellion carries consequences.
“But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.” — Psalm 81:11–12
And it’s not just an Old Testament principle.
“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” — James 1:14–15
And one of the most sobering verses in all of Scripture: “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind…” — Romans 1:28
God gave them over. Think about that for a minute. Hardened hearts. Judgment—not just in eternity, but in this life as well.
I’ve wandered outside that fence more times than I’d like to admit. Thankfully, by God’s grace, He’s usually been quick to convict me and bring me back.
The safest place you’ll ever be isn’t where you have the most freedom to do whatever you want. It’s inside the boundaries of God’s will.
If you’re offended by the Word of God (or a biblical message) then it’s trying to change you! Lean into that.
Y’all have a blessed day.
