In Australia, we have some of the most desolate and vast landscapes in the world. There are areas where water and feed are scarce, and farms—often called “stations”—can be so large that they dwarf entire American states, even Texas. Managing livestock on these immense properties presents unique challenges. Traditionally, farmers have built enormous fences around their boundaries to keep the stock in. But when you really look at it, this “fencing model” has significant drawbacks, both for the farmer and the flock.
The Problem With Fences
On these massive stations, fencing the entire perimeter costs a fortune to build and even more to maintain. Farmers must patrol the fence line constantly, fixing holes and keeping watch for cattle that might slip through. Spiritually, this is a lot like a pastor who spends all his energy monitoring the “boundaries” of what it means to belong to God’s Kingdom—constantly watching the edges for people who might be crossing the line, rather than caring for those inside.
But fences also have an unintended effect on the animals themselves. The saying goes, “the grass is greener on the other side of the fence,” and it’s true—livestock tend to drift to the edges, curious about what lies beyond, rather than staying close to where the food, water, and security are actually provided. In the same way, if we emphasize the outer limits of faith—spending all our time defining who’s “in” and who’s “out”—we often miss the deeper need to lead people toward the center, toward Jesus Himself.
And worst of all, fences don’t just keep the stock in—they also keep others out. When a thirsty, hungry animal finds itself outside the boundary, the fence only makes it harder for it to get to the life-giving water and pasture it needs. When churches focus too much on doctrinal fences and moral boundaries, we risk making it harder for people outside to find the way in.
The Better Way: Wells, Not Fences
Some Australian farmers have discovered a better method. On stations so big that fencing is impractical, they don’t build fences at all. Instead, they dig wells and build water points—sources of life-giving water. They know the cattle won’t wander too far because they instinctively stay close to the water.
This is the model we need in God’s Kingdom too. Jesus said in John 7:37, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” He is the Living Water at the center. Our job isn’t to build barriers, but to dig wells—to point people to Him.
When we focus on the Living Water instead of the fences:
The flock is drawn inward, not to the boundaries but to Christ Himself, where life is found.
If someone does wander away, they know where to return to for nourishment and safety.
With eyes fixed on Jesus, they are less distracted by the temptations and illusions at the edges.
Those on the outside aren’t blocked from entry but invited in to drink and be refreshed.
And pastors spend less time inspecting fences and more time encouraging hearts to move toward the center.
As Hebrews 12:2 says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”
Which Way Are We Facing?
What matters most is not how strong our fences are, but whether the flock is moving closer to the water or drifting further away. Doctrinal statements and moral standards are still important—but they are not more important than the purity and availability of the Living Water itself.
In God’s Kingdom, it’s the direction that matters—are we walking toward Jesus?—and it’s the water that sustains us, not the fences.
So as farmers of God’s flock, let’s dig wells, not just mend fences. Let’s help people find and keep their eyes on Christ. Because when they taste His water, they’ll never want to wander far again.
As Jesus promised:
“Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14).
