Dinah went out in an unfamiliar land. She was a newcomer to the area, she didn't know the customs, nor the cautions, nor the characters. This did not end well.
As a follower of Christ, I am looking for my home in a distant place and time. I am often unfamiliar with this world; increasingly, I am unaware of the customs and the cautions. The longer I am in pursuit of the True, the less I am knowledgeable about the present. Customs, habits, T.V. shows, dress codes, conduct, music. I am growing more out of touch with what is "in" by the week - and I don't think it is so much related to getting older ... I think it's that these things no longer interest me, compel me, lure me as they once did. I digress, however.
So, as a believer, I am an alien in this place. Like Dinah, I don't know the lay of the land, the landowners and the landmarks. My caution from this text is to not act at the whim of my curiosity - but rather at the direction of my God. I am not home here; I am in the camp of the enemy. Curiosity without God can be very dangerous.
Where am I wandering away from God's camp and protection in my life, in my imagination? What safeguards do I need to ensure my interest in the world around me - even innocent perusing - does not step beyond the boundaries of my Lord's fence-line?
Also, Jacob refused to let Esau or his boys have anything to do with his entourage. I wonder if what Jacob feared from Esau was any worse than what actually happened.
Where are my fears driving me to make a godless decision?
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