Number 15:38-39

Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:

I play golf once a week with a group of older gentlemen from our church. I noticed one of the men has a written list of his swing keys taped to the top of his golf bag. When he pulls out a club, the list reminds him to keep head down, turn not sway and keep the left arm straight. The children of Israel were instructed to fringe the borders of this squared garment which was worn by the Jews on a daily basis. The rudimentary purpose was to constantly remind themselves of the law so as to avoid temptation. The four corners was a present alert in every direction. A blue ribbon was placed around the fringes to teach them that though their commemoration was on earth, their conversation should be in heaven. The color blue represented God’s love while the separated fringe tassels reflected the different precepts given by Moses and the prophets.

Thankfully, we are a people no longer bound by the covenant of law. By living in the grace dispensation, the Holy Spirit guides and directs believers unto perfect obedience. In Ezekiel 36:27, we are given the promise, “]a]nd I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” We may falter or stray, but the believer can never say he/she was not guided by His still small voice. Just like the garment worn as a reminder by the Jewish people, the Holy Spirit guides us whether we are within the confines of a church, outside on the golf course, or a setting less appropriate for a Christian. Additionally, as we read and meditate upon the scriptures, the “red letter” guidance is engraved into our memories and can be recalled whenever needed. We do not require a checklist, a scroll or any adornment on our garment to remind us of our allegiance and responsibilities. Our transformation was one of blood applied to the heart of the believer. What a blessing it is to have this eternal guidance abiding within us! Our salvation is confirmed by the presence of the Holy Spirit in our heart.