When we think of freedom, it usually comes with the idea of no borders, no fence, nothing holding us back or holding someone in. But I want to look at this spiritually.

Proverbs 29:18 says, “Without revelation, people run wild, but one who follows divine instructions will be happy” (CSB). The more commonly known version of this scripture is: “Without vision the people perish, but happy are those who keep the law” (KJV).

Isn’t it interesting that one translation describes people running wild while another says people perish without vision, and both are correct. It’s because, as stated, without clear borders (direction, discernment, plans, hopes, awareness) people can run (wild) right off a cliff. And that’s sad.

So what if we reframe this with the understanding of freedom with borders?

Not one-size-fits-all.

When I was growing up, my grandmother was a seamstress. I watched her lay out many patterns over the years. In sewing, a pattern is necessary because it gives the guidelines and form of what is being created. But because people are not one-size-fits-all, then the pattern had liberty to adjust as needed.

This is freedom with borders.

“Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]—blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he” (Proverbs 29:18 AMPC). Redemption was God’s purchase price for each of us through Christ Jesus. He redeemed us with the precious blood of the Lamb (1 Peter 1:19).

When there’s no vision, no revelation, of this truth, people are destroyed (and lost).

No pattern creates chaos.

But “…the one who follows divine instruction will be happy.” In other words, the person who has guidance and understands the boundaries, that one is truly happy and fulfilled!

One commentary on this verse called the law (our divine instruction) as a pattern for faithful living. I love that description. Just like my grandmother needed a pattern to create a masterpiece, so do our lives. If there’s no pattern, there’s chaos (ex. people running wild).

A few words for chaos include disorder, disarray, and pandemonium. The opposite is order and harmony, which describes God’s beautiful intent for our salvation. We were not created for destruction. Sin did that. Redemption rescued us from sin’s control.

THIS is the revelation we need.

THIS is the understanding of freedom with healthy borders.

God’s Word is our pattern for faithful living. Without vision and understanding of God’s heart toward us, toward humanity, toward eternity and Christ, we are completely lost. But with vision and understanding, we are saved, protected, and blessed with exuberant liberty!

It’s somewhat of an oxymoron: freedom with borders. But what a beautiful (and freeing) revelation! I want God’s guidance. I don’t want to roam around wondering what to do with my life. I’ve asked God to give me a pattern to follow (direction and vision for each day). And He’s so faithful to answer those prayers.

“Now if any of you lacks wisdom [vision and revelation], he should ask God – who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly – and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). In other words, not only will God answer that prayer, but He will generously give you more than you need. Freedom to roam; freedom to explore possibilities– with borders, because He loves you and wants to protect you from dangers and pitfalls. But therein is the wisdom we need too.

I hope I’ve encouraged you to see your freedom in Christ with new eyes. Yes, there are borders but not to fence you in. All borders in Christ create a beautiful pattern. “For [you] are God’s masterpiece. He has created [you] anew in Christ Jesus, so [you] can do the good things he planned for [you] long ago” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT).