The other day I drove over a cattle grid. For those of you who have experience with raising cattle, you know what a cattle grid is for. For the rest of you, allow me to explain.

“Cattle grids are often used where livestock may graze in open pastures and in between open fence lines. Cattle grids prevent livestock from crossing over property lines and keep them out of dangerous areas.” (source unknown)

How do they work?

“The way a cattle grid works is this: there are metal pipes that are laid in a strategic formation over a deep ditch. If they try to cross the cattle grid, their legs will fall down in between the pipes and they will get stuck. The cattle know this. So they generally don’t try to cross cattle grids.” (source unknown)

In essence it protects animals from entering places, thus keeping them safe.

A cattle grid reminds me, in functionality, of how God’s Word and His Holy Spirit interact with us. Like a Shepard with his staff, protecting the sheep, pulling them back if they start to get out of line – for their own benefit. A cattle grid warns, “Don’t go there. Pain will follow.” The Holy Spirit reminds a believer the same way, flowing from and intimately interwoven with the very Word of God, pricking the soul, warning that the enticements of sin will only bring sorrow and pain. Danger lies just beyond the first step toward disobedience. Contrary to popular belief, God’s Word is not a book of rules to suck the fun out of life, but rather to create freedom for people by warning them of the dangers that are outside of His plan for your life. Holiness, purity and a relationship with Him are of the utmost importance to Him… and to you… even if you don’t know it. God’s goodness says be aware! Run! Stay away for your own good. 

Now, a good cattle owner sets up a cattle grid because he cares about the safety of the cattle. God gives us the Mosaic law and life principles in His Word to protect us, because He loves us. Just as I have set up parameters for my sons because I love them and want them safe, Jesus said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28).

When it comes to matters of purity and staying away from sexual sin, I have repeatedly warned my sons about staying away from the proverbial cattle grid. Don’t go there. Don’t dip your toe into the darkness beyond the cattle grid or you will get burned. Don’t linger on the brink of destruction by placing yourself into danger environments where temptation can besiege you. Like Joseph did with Potiphar’s wife, run like hell and don’t look back. GET OUT OF THERE! (Genesis 39) 

“So now, my sons, listen to me. Never stray from what I am about to say: Stay away from her! Don’t go near the door of her house! If you do, you will lose your honor and will lose to merciless people all you have achieved.” (Proverbs 5:7-9)

Trust the cattle grid that God has created for you.

Don’t be like what God speaks of when He said, “Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD … they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.” (Proverbs 1:29,31)

Love the cattle grid. Understand why the cattle grid exists. Embrace it… and let it do its job so that you are safe.