I thank God for all of His creation, and feel fortunate to be able to cultivate a garden with seeds and plants that He Himself designed.   One aspect of gardening I love: planting hedges, or “living walls”.  I planted wisteria to build a living wall, and planted trees and other fast growing hedges along our property, rejoicing in the beauty and privacy they bring.  

When I thought of gardening and the many spiritual applications we can make, the possibilities seemed endless…  yet as I considered the hedges, and living walls in my garden,  I reflected on how spiritual hedges can protect and create healthy boundaries around the landscape God has given us.

A Hedge Around My Marriage:

My parents’ divorce affected me in negative ways, of course, but I also learned from the experience.  I saw behavior in a parent that I wanted to go out of my way to avoid when I became married (flirtations, affairs, multiple marriages).  Many years ago, a friend actually put a phrase to my already cautious philosophy.  She called it the “90-900 rule.”  She was speaking to her sister, who was about to see a college sweetheart, but her sister was married.  She said, “Don’t forget the 90-900 rule.”  I asked what she meant?  She explained, “Unless he’s 90 years old, or 900 pounds, be very careful.”  Some might laugh at this, but I didn’t!  She was so right!   We should have so much respect for our own marriage, yes.  But we should also have respect for emotions and memories, and keep a lid firmly on the past, not giving Satan a foothold.   We should be honoring in all male friendships, but especially respectful if any were previously romantic friendships.

Practical application:  If I need to text a male friend, my husband is added to the text group.  Do I think texting a man would automatically lead to sin?  Definitely not.  But I had a childhood of learning how easy it seemed for certain relationships to spark.  Many of our close friends also incorporate this same way of including their spouse in communications.  This “living wall” is not built out of fear, but out of respect for our marriage and those around us.

A Hedge Around My Thoughts:

 Thoughts turn into speech that will either shine Jesus, or create stumbling blocks.  Have no doubt: thoughts without hedges can drive our experiences. If I take ownership of my own emotional baggage when thoughts are presented, add a dose of humility and a dash of love, my thoughts will not rule me as easily.  Thought “hedges” are built by: testing my thoughts against God’s Word, asking in prayer to our Father that my life reflects how much I value His thoughts, and seeking truth.

Practical application: Have you ever assumed the worst about someone?  While sometimes we learn difficult things about those we love, we must be careful about jumping to conclusions.  From the smaller thoughts about how someone seemed to snub us, to even bigger, more damaging inner dialogues; we must be willing to pray for clarity, seek out the person we are concerned with, and have a conversation.  (Arming our words with humility and a Christ-centered love).  Without the courage to clarify, we could have condemning thoughts about misunderstandings that are never cleared up.  We must test our thoughts, because sometimes they’re only thoughts… not truth. 

A Hedge Around My Friendships:

Jesus is the ultimate example of friendship!  He was always looking for ways to help those in need.  Jesus was not a respecter of persons, meaning He didn’t avoid helping people just because the Pharisees were offended.  Jesus knew the thoughts of everyone around Him, yet He still healed, served, taught, prayed for them.  Jesus said that we are His friends if we do what He commands.  I want to be His friend!   If I were able to see Him now, I’d run to Him and ask, “What else can I do for you?”  If we remember the precious relationship He offers, we wouldn’t shirk at following His Word.  We would eagerly ask how else we could help… because that’s what love and true friendship looks like.  My “living wall” is anchored in my friendship with Christ.

Practical application:  What kind of friend am I?  Rather than discussing what types of friendships we should be looking for, we must first be a trustworthy friend.  Am I someone who will speak the truth?  Will I be known for loving Jesus and serving our Lord?  Is there a reputation for being trustworthy, and not a gossip?  Will I sharpen and hope to be sharpened in return?  

Let’s purposefully plant “living walls” to preserve, protect, and sharpen those in our garden path.  Hand in hand with our Creator, we can build a beautiful garden together as we wait to join Him and so many others in Heaven.