I read an interesting story recently which reminded me of another. First, the story:
At a bazaar in India, a farmer brought a whole covey of quail. He had tied a string to one of the legs of each of the quail and then tied that string to a ring which fit over a stake. He then had taught the quail to walk in a circle. Along came a devout Brahman who believed in the Hindu respect for all life, so his heart of compassion bought the whole covey.
He then told the man to cut the strings and set them free. Incredulous, but compliant, he did as he was told. However, the quail didn’t fly away, but instead kept marching in a circle. Even when shooed away, they gathered and walked in a circle.
That reminded me of a story I once read of a circus performer who tied an elephant to a stake in the ground. Even though the rope was eventually taken away, that elephant went nowhere (unless, of course, it is Dumbo).
Both examples: freed but tethered. Freed physically; tethered in the mind. I am amazed to meet people who are the same. Raised in a very controlling environment (church or home) they are set free but have trouble being free. Cults operate that way. The control is so controlling that when freedom is sought they often come home to roost. Freed from legalism, but trapped by it.
Many live lives tethered to their past. Still strapped and not able to be free. Galatians 5:1 says, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Give yourself permission to fly, free from all restraints (except moral ones) that would hold you back.
“Father, help me to live free, not chained to rules and regulations. Help me to know what it truly means to be set free.”
Great analogy! Wow! Yes!
Thanks Diane! I pray you live in freedom today.
Such powerful examples of how, though we are free in Christ, we can remain tethered to our old way of thinking/doing. I want to live in the freedom Jesus offers to me!
Blessings, Bill!
As do I Martha. Thanks for the comment.
The cult after effects are some of the strongest anyone in religion has to deal with.
I was involved in a cult at the start of my Christian walk, at a very young age. Very domineering. I learned a great deal of what prison and being set free is like.
Years later, just recently as a matter of fact, I found I had been deceived, again, into walking that same circle.
But God is good, through it all He taught me what true freedom is like.
Sounds like an interesting story Ed. so glad you got free both times. Thanks for the comment.