“The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where the one ends and where the other begins?” ~ Edgar Allan Poe
We set boundaries to protect the people, places, and things we love, but we also set boundaries to keep out those we don’t. The boundaries we set determine what gets in and what stays out. When boundaries restrict our desires, we are capable of causing quite a stir, but when they preserve our welfare, we quickly discover that boundaries are a good thing. Today’s reflection challenges us to evaluate the boundaries we have already set for ourselves and the need for new boundaries in our lives.
What boundaries have you set for the following:
- For Yourself?
- For Your Kids?
- For Your Spouse?
- For Your Family?
- For Your Career/Job?
- For Your Health?
- For Your friends?
- For God?
Sometimes we set boundaries and don’t even realize it. When we exam our lives, we learn that we compartmentalize everything. For example, we might say, “I am committed to living a spiritual life!” Upon closer examination, we discover that God may be at the center of our family life, but not so much regarding our work-life. We are prone to surrender specific hurts, habits, and hang-ups to God but hold back and set boundaries with others. “God, you can have my gambling problem, but I will manage my sex conduct and how I spend my money.”
Boundaries, if communicated and never compromised, can help establish a stable and spiritual environment. We decide who we live with, spend time with, pursue intimacy with, and confide for accountability and wisdom. We decide if God is to be the Director of our lives, remain on-call, or unemployed. Unfortunately, many people go as far as to post no trespassing signs to keep God out, along with other so-called spiritual riffraff. We determine what comes in and what stays out of our lives.
If we desire to live vibrant, healthy, and productive lives, then boundaries are a must. We all need help with setting boundaries. It’s imperative to secure the use of someone who is not emotionally or financially connected to us in any way to help establish effective boundaries. Friends, boundaries are a good thing and a must if we want to get the most out of life. Our boundaries or lack thereof will determine our future. God created us to persevere and to thrive, but we must have healthy boundaries in place for God’s best to materialize in our lives.
What price have you paid, or are you currently paying for failing to set boundaries?
Who can you trust and confide in to help you evaluate and establish boundaries?
What boundaries have you set with God, and how’s that working out for you?
God of love and protection, thank You for drawing boundaries around me with the blood of Your son Jesus. The boundary of salvation established by Jesus helps keep the principalities and powers of the earth at bay in my life. Because of the borders, You have set, the world enjoys victory over sin and death. Please grant me the wisdom, willingness, and strength to set the boundaries You desire for my life and the wellbeing of others. In Your Spirit and Name, I pray these things. May Your will not mine always materialize, now and forever. Amen.
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