The Blessing of Boundaries

Image: Christa Jewett, Saltwater Studies

“And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts.” Psalm 119:45 (NKJV)

We are living in a time of rebellion. The American culture displays an attitude of depravity that demonstrates little respect for any legal, moral, or ethical boundaries. Morality has become individualized as a sliding scale based on whatever is best for me or best for my cause. Truth is of little or no concern as it too has become subjected to individual perspectives. As the Word of God says: “For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:21 NKJV). It is a desperate time in our nation’s history.

For the follower of Jesus Christ, we must be different. We must be a light to the dying world around us. This begins with maintaining a biblical perspective about things as simple as rules. The world would have us believe that rules, particularly God’s rules, are judgmental, archaic, and restrictive. However, the truth is that God’s standards provide us with the necessary boundaries to set us free. Yes, that is right. Contrary to everything you have heard from our culture, God’s commandments are intended to provide us with freedom. When we follow God’s laws, we are free within the framework that they provide. Without these boundaries, there is no clear guidance for our behavior and attitudes and so they are subject to the whims and inflections of the cultural voice. We are restricted to mimicking those around us, and repeating group think rather than being free to offer unique, God-given perspectives.

When we choose to follow Jesus Christ and believe the truth of Scripture, we are no longer slaves to sin, and we are no longer bound by man’s perspectives. Our sole focus becomes based on pleasing the Father who loves us and who has good things in store for our lives. We no longer need to be concerned with satisfying the ever-changing whims of the mob. As Jesus Christ states in John 10:10, the world, under the influence of Satan, seeks to destroy us. Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself for us so that we can have an abundant life. Not a stingy, restricted life, but a life of freedom and abundance. According to Dictionary.com, abundance means an extremely plentiful or oversufficient quantity or supply, overflowing fullness. This is the life that Jesus Christ intends for us to have in the present and eternally, regardless of our circumstances.

In thinking about the blessing of boundaries, God provided me with two different analogies: the backyard and the river.

The Backyard

The Everglades of South Florida provide a unique environment that is home to a wide variety of creatures. Although only half the size it once was due to development, the “River of Grass” covers approximately 5,000 square miles. One of the most famous inhabitants of this unique ecosystem is the American Alligator which thrives in its shallow waters. There are so many alligators in Florida, that they often infringe upon inhabited areas. It is said that any pond, lake, or canal in Florida, especially those close to the Everglades, could possibly be home to an alligator. For this reason, many people who live near a pond or lake choose to fence their backyards. These fences provide a boundary for their home that designates their area of ownership and provides protection. It is said that good fences make good neighbors as a fence designates each person’s area of responsibility. This also provides individual freedom to each home, allowing them to manage their space in the way they prefer. Within these boundaries, children are free to play and explore without concern of danger. It is a safe place for them to discover the world around them.

Similarly, God’s laws provide us with boundaries that offer freedom and protection within their parameters. Within God’s standards, we can freely use the gifts and the talents that He provided to us in unique ways to further the Kingdom of God. God’s boundaries also offer protection from behaviors and attitudes that are harmful to us. In Romans 8:6, God tells us “To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (NKJV). When we choose to follow the ways of the world (the ways of the flesh) not only are we sinning and disobeying God, but we will experience death. Every time we choose to follow our sinful nature, it represents the death of something. For example, choosing not to guard my tongue and speaking unkindly to someone could result in the death of that relationship. A teenager who disobeys their parent’s curfew standards will experience the death of their trust. Scrolling on social media instead of spending time reading the Bible could result in the death of your contentment. In contrast, rejecting the ways of the world and choosing to follow God’s leading, no matter how difficult, always leads to life.

“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)

Yes, God’s boundaries are for our benefit.

The River

A river valley is one of the most beautiful environments in the world. Nothing is quite so refreshing than stepping into a cool river at the end of a day’s hike. However, for a river to be designated as a river it must have banks. The river’s banks act as boundaries providing it with identity, direction, and purpose. Without banks, a river ceases to be a river. The water will spread over the land, be absorbed by the soil and the river’s identity is lost. A river’s banks provide the water flow with a direction and purpose: to move downstream and provide life to areas it would not otherwise reach.

Similarly, God’s boundaries also provide His children with identity, direction, and purpose. When we follow the truth of the Bible, we are given an identity as children of God. We are no longer His enemies, but we become part of the global body of Christ (Romans 5:10-11). Following God’s Word also provides us with direction and purpose (Isaiah 30:21, Ephesians 2:10). Our lives are no longer meaningless or caught up in frivolous pursuits but are spent accomplishing God’s will both individually and collectively as His people.

Finally, what happens when flood waters exceed a river’s natural boundaries? The waters become destructive, destroying everything in its path. Similarly, when we choose to live outside of the parameters that God has established for us, we become destructive both to ourselves and to others.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV)

As we consider the truth of God’s Word, each of us must choose if we will believe and obey what it says. Will you choose to follow God’s boundaries or the ways of the world? Will you choose life and freedom or death and bondage? It is up to you to decide.