Everywhere we turn we can find boundaries because they are a basic necessity of life. There are boundaries on property lines to keep trespassers off our property and to give us a clear demarcation of ownership, and where a person’s responsibility begins and ends.
There are boundaries as to what size luggage a person can bring into the cabin of an airline. There are traffic lanes and boundaries on highways where we drive. Boundaries are a good thing, and we should learn to understand and appreciate them.
When it comes to relationships, boundaries are just as important. We must learn to respect other’s boundaries. Even God recognizes our right to have boundaries, and He will not impose His will on us without our permission. We are not called to be door mats for abuse from a spouse, parent, or child. This would require intervention from proper authorities.
God’s word is a lamp to our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). It sets up boundaries for our lives, boundaries to keep us within God’s perfect will and plan for our lives, not boundaries to make us miserable or take away all the normal and good pleasures of life.
Scripture gives us clear boundary lines for most of our journey in life. It tells us to walk in love, to resist the devil, to walk honestly, to walk in the Spirit and not after the flesh, to be temperate, to pray continually, to have faith in God.
Obeying God’s Word provides godly boundaries for our life to keep us from undue troubles and consequences. It is like the guardrails on a bridge to keep us from going off the edge and plunging to our demise.
We have liberty and freedom in Christ, but this must within the guidelines of God’s Word to avoid harming ourselves and others.
One person may choose to eat pork, while another may only eat vegetables and fruit. One person may eat cake and ice cream, while another may refrain from sugar and sweets. We cannot cross someone’s boundaries to impose our diet or opinion on them (Romans 14). If allowed, we can share our advice with others, but not by forcing our ways on them.
Also, if our concept of freedom means mistreating others, a lack of godly restraint, or being rude, we are deceived and ignorant of the Father’s heart and intention for this liberty in Christ.
As a citizen of the United States of America, I have certain freedoms, but they can never encroach on the freedom of others. My freedom has limitations imposed by the government. I am not at liberty to rob others, mistreat or harm my neighbor, destroy public property, drive under the influence of intoxicating substances or disregard any good law imposed by government authorities.
Today, however, we are seeing a growing contempt for boundaries across our land. There has been an increasing rise of lawlessness and moral decline. This is due, at least in part, because many do not want to have the restraint of boundaries.
Freedom with boundaries is a good thing, and we should endeavor to stand up for those God given rights and privileges. Nevertheless, we should know where those rights and privileges begin and end, so we do not violate the rights and privileges of others.
Lastly, when any institution restricts individuals from their freedom to worship and serve God, that entity is out of order. God has never given any agency or government authority to suppress or forbid the worship of God. Those doing so demonstrate they have defied God’s Word and gone beyond their lawful boundaries.
As we close this short series on boundaries, let us strive to establish godly boundaries in life with our diet, communication, sleep, work, relationships, finances, social media, attire, and entertainment.
Let us ask the Father to show us areas in our life that are not within proper boundaries, and then make the necessary adjustments to correct them. This will serve to add balance, godliness, harmony, and peace to our lives.
Until nest time, may God our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, richly bless and keep you.
James Brown
CST 08/28/2024
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