Me Thinks

Part 2 of Indulge/Subdue or Wild horse vs. tame horse:

I've been thinking about this some more.

What are the benefits of indulging? Indulging in a little chocolate for example, brings a feeling of pleasure and contentment. Indulging in sin brings shame and consequence. Indulging is not always bad, but an indulgent lifestyle promotes pleasure without constraint and consequence.

What are the benefits of subduing one's self? There is, or could be, a feeling of restriction, at least initially as we hold ourselves back. Some things are put on hold for later and some things are never partaken of.  But there is freedom from negative consequences and that freedom is incredible!  When one is subdued, or restrained, there is still plenty of room to enjoy, recreate, and find pleasure, but it is within the parameters of one's self-control

What are the advantages of a wild horse?  No restraint! No one to answer to.  No one to call you home.  Free reign on the mountain or meadow. No constraining bridles.

What are the advantages of a tamed horse? The main advantage of a tamed horse is that the horse becomes of great use to someone. 

I'm thinking of this in a personal way.  Say I am the horse and God is the master.  If I submit to the restraints he has suggested, seeing them as a means to obtain freedom from danger and self-harming consequences, and not as constraints of an unfair, selfish Master, I can enjoy life under His care. I trust Him as my master.  As a bridled, subdued horse, I will still have plenty of room to run, experience life, make choices, and feel joy. I can be of use to Him--He can use me as and where He needs me. I welcome the yoke.