UnderDog Report #65a
Fences, Gates, and Keys to
Keeping Resolutions
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KEEPING RESOLUTIONS
A recent article from Forbes made these points regarding 2023 resolutions:
• 37% of Americans had a resolution they wanted to achieve
• 48% listed fitness as their primary goal
• 87% said they were very or somewhat likely to keep their “promise.”
• The second Friday in January is designated as “Quitter’s Day.”
• Only 8% of people stick to their resolution by the end of January
Jesus said,
“Behold, I stand at the gate, and call: if anyone hears my voice and opens the gate, I will come in to them, and will dine with them, and they will dine with me.”
Things don’t look good for New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps the focus is misplaced, as these “promises” are intended to last only one year. Maybe that is why 92% fall short in the first month. A better focus for your resolutions is not for a year, but for your life. An urgent method to help anyone control their success in achieving their goals is to understand Fences, Gates, and Keys.
FENCES, GATES, AND KEYS
We all have Fences, Gates, and Keys in our lives. Fences keep people, animals, things, and even ideas out. Low fences can be climbed over, weak fences can be knocked over, and almost all fences can be overcome, depending on the power of what is on the other side. Gates, on the other hand, let people, ideas, or other things in. Gates can be locked and opened by the person controlling them. Keys can also be given to those who will have the ability to enter independently.
Every person controls their fences’ height and strength, in addition to the gates and associated keys that unlock the gates. We all have control of what to let in and what not to let in. You decide who has the keys, you determine who or what you will let in.
Here’s a simple example. Let’s say a husband and his new wife are going to dinner. The husband says, “Let’s go to a Chinese Restaurant.” The wife then responds, “I’m not a fan of Chinese food, let’s go Mexican.” Now, you have learned three things:
1. The husband has an open Gate for Chinese food
2. The wife has an open Gate for Mexican food
3. The wife has a Fence for Chinese food
The husband no longer needs to suggest a Chinese restaurant since he now knows his wife’s preference. The wife, for a special occasion, may open her Gate to Chinese for her husband’s birthday, for example. This may be because her fence for Chinese food is not that high. For each separate issue for every person, the height and strength of each fence and gate is determined by them. One of the ways to get to know someone is to learn where their fences are and where their gates are. It is essential to understand other people’s fences and the heights of those fences.
HIGH AND LOW FENCES
There are high fences (things you would never choose to do under any circumstance), mid-sized, and low fences. For every person, the fence sizes differ, and the size of the fence represents the resistance you have to what is on the other side of your fence. Your fences keep unwanted people and things out, and let those beneficial to you in. They define your boundaries,
Let’s say you know your friend has a high fence to drinking alcohol, maybe they were an alcoholic. It would be rude and offensive for you to offer them an alcoholic drink continually. The person who encounters a fence should not continue, suggesting something that is a gate to them.
DIFFERENT KEYS FOR EACH GATE
There are different keys to each gate, specific to the person or thing you want to let in. You control them and you should be careful who you give your keys to. Lock your gates to protect and preserve you. Be very careful who you give the gives to your gate to.
LEARNING THE FENCES AND GATES OF OTHERS
Your fences communicate your beliefs to others, as theirs do to you. When getting to know someone, learning their fences and communicating yours is a great way to get to know them.
CULTURE AND PER PRESSURE WILL TEST YOU
The Bible tells us “Do not be conformed to this age.” We determine, with our fences, gates, and keys, whether we will live a Godly or ungodly life. Treating others in a godly fashion is demanded by the Bible:
Expanded Translation – 1 Thessalonians 4:6 – No person should step over the fences that God has put in place and raise expectations that cheat a brother or sister in Christ in any way. Because the Lord is the avenger and punishes of all those who do this.
On the other hand, you may want to expand your fences into other people areas. This is taking from others what is theirs, this is stealing. Let the Lord, not your greed, expand your territory. Let the LORD God enlarges your territory.
MENDING FENCES
And remember, the Bible tells us to forgive those who have hurt are abused you. In this way you God will forgive you for what you have done to others. Go into this year with a heart towards God. Establish your fences, gates, and key with a godly attitude to love others, to protect yourself in the process. Have a successful year loving others and keep your life’s resolutions!
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The Underdog Report produces content on current events from a Biblical perspective to provide a positive Godly point of view as an alternative to today’s Media, and to encourage people to be followers of Christ.
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