“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts
as you did in the rebellion.”
Hebrews 3:15
Here’s the truth: Not setting godly boundaries in your life is sin. You need to set the standard, communicating “I will do this/won’t do that.” Boundaries are at the core of holiness. It isn’t bad to say one thing is good and another is bad, or one is good and another is better. We have been wrongly taught that drawing a line in the sand is being unaccepting of others, but at times it is appropriate. Not in judgment, but in following truth.
While we may be good at setting limits for ourselves, what happens when others set the boundaries for us? Sometimes it is for our good, other times it is to control us. Think of your boss, your spouse, or even God. How do their boundaries affect you? Do you rebel? Do you assume you know best? While rejecting some boundaries could be a healthy response, rejecting God’s boundaries brings consequences you may not desire. Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:7 that “a man reaps what he sows.” Your choice to go outside the boundaries set for you by God will surely have consequences that are not healthy. For example, if you choose to be lazy and not work, you may not have money for food or a place to live. If you don’t tithe, you may not live in financial freedom. If you judge others, you will be judged.
Let’s Pray:
1.) We have already established that boundaries are good for us. When a person sets a boundary towards you, how to you react? Are you hurt? Do you take it personally? Be honest.
2.) When it comes to setting a boundary for yourself- saying “no” or “yes” to something- how do you feel? Does it cause anxiety? Do you feel empowered? Are you scared of what others may think of you? Release any emotion that isn’t from God, back to Him in prayer.
3.) When God establishes a boundary for you, how to you react? What would it look like to trust God to set healthy boundaries for you? What about your life would change?
*Bonus- for those following along with the book, reference page 75 for a more in-depth look!
When I first became a Christian my hearts desire was to please the Lord. I succeeded in some areas and I failed. When I failed my heart was broken, but through His guidance and protection and encounters with great sisters and brothers in Christ, I was able to achieve healthy boundaries in my walk with my family, friends and my relationship with my husband. I am a working progress it has taken years to get where I am with my walk with the Lord. And I’m a continued working progress and it has been a wonderful exciting ride, rollercoaster and walk with Him. I pray that I’m in tune continual with our Lord. ?
That is so encouraging to hear! If we keep at it, continually leaning into God for wisdom, we can make healthy changes. Thanks for sharing!