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Leash or Harness

by Terry Barlow
03/30/19
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I was meditating on the difference between a leash and a harness. In general, a leash merely tethers one to a location or to the hand of a master. A leash holds us back, perhaps protecting us or another from danger or inconvenience. A harness, on the other hand, directs the strength and energies of the one harnessed toward a chosen end or purpose. Many conceive of a relationship with God as a leash upon their lives, confining and restraining them from fulfilling their deepest desires. But a relationship with God is more like a harness than a leash, channeling the force of one’s life for productive ends. A harness disciplines the natural inclination of a life toward the best use of its unique gifts and resources. It may not be pleasant at first, and therefore not be welcomed, because it often runs counter to the nature impulses and reactions. The harness teaches one to respond rather than to react. In summary, a leash exists to restrict and confine. That confinement can be for the good of the one so confined and/or for the good of those around. A harness also restricts, but toward a more productive purpose.

What is it, after all,  that harnesses our energies and abilities and impulses toward productive ends? It is a vision for our lives, or even having visions for different areas of our lives.  As Proverbs 29, v.18 tells us: "Without a vision the people perish." That word "perish" is also translated "go unrestrained."  A vision gives us a reason to restrain ourselves in helpful ways to help make that vision a reality.