Someone had whammed the guard rail! A sign had been put up “Damaged Guardrail.” When installed it was shiny, sturdy, and solid, but now it is messy, marred, and mangled. I wonder who hit the guard rail and why. Was it caused by an out of control car that had a blowout? Was it a mother who was passing goldfish to the toddler in a car-seat? Was it a tipsy driver who drove in spite of laws against drunk driving? Was it a new driver who had just taken a driver’s ed course and knew all the rules but lacked the experience? Or was it the fault of the guardrail itself, maybe it reflected the glare of the sun at just the wrong time? Or had the hail and rain been so blinding, the driver couldn’t see?
Seems like society’s guardrails work about the same way. Parents are charged with being “first responders,” in the guardrail brigade. So out come the plugs for electrical switches, fences, and car seats. Deut. 22:8 is apropos, “When you build a new house, make a parapet (rail) around your roof so that you may not bring the guilt of bloodshed on your house if someone falls from the roof.” But how far does that go, when a child deliberately jumps over the rail? How does the church work out as a guardrail? Love, fellowship, respect and fun is great. But when they start talking about discipline, holiness, and clean living – all that guardrails stuff – most studies show that more than half of the youth drop out when they age out. So what about the government? So here come the laws, surely they are good guardrails. Oh, yes, good if people obey them. But if they don’t (like in Prohibition, drugs, adultery, etc.) you do away with the law. No law, no law breakers, no guardrails. How are society’s guardrails looking? Weak and wobbly. One guardrail still stands—God’s word. Oh it is smashed, bashed, and trashed, but standing firm, steady and dependable. Prov. 18:10 “The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous man runs into it and is safe”
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I blogged this four years ago. I think it is even more needed now than then. We have completely taken down so many boundaries that kept our children and young people safe a few decades ago. Examples: Legalizing marijuana, giving dope to addicts, teaching that many perverted sexual experiences are normal, handouts for those who will not work, turning a blind eye to corruption, parents afraid to discipline their children. The Word of God still stands as the only safe Guardrail.
Sweet aroma 
Relevant powerful and very much speaking to the NOW. I would add that for all Christians as well as guardrails of the Word we need to clearly be showing this lack of rules world the wonder of our Christ-Life. HIS PRESENCE IN US AND WITH US.in spite of everything.
Thanks, for the comment. You are a constant source of encouragement.
I’m a little slow as life has been consuming…but you are singing my same thoughts!!!
So many young people are floundering, wondering what is right and what is wrong. Yes, I am also consumed as you say. I do believe the Physical Therapist is helping me. Thank the Lord. I’m much better. But find it hard to sit at the computer for very long at a time. I’m reading some on cell, but don’t respond much on it. I am, however, keeping up with most of my regular readers and checking out the new followers. Take it easy, dear Julie.
I’ve been praying for you Oneta!!!
Thank you. I’m getting better. Just think; it might be your prayer that turned the tide.
I never think like that— always thinking it was that of another 🥰
We must be thankful for either or both. Never is a prayer wasted.
Indeed, the WORD is an everlasting light. Thanks for reposting this Oneta!
Thank you. We do need to be very aware that it is important to have guardrails for ourselves and our families, even for anyone we encounter. We must “walk the talk” so that others can see the benefit of a God-honoring life.