‘Boundaries- Life or Death’ is a crucial topic that should not be taken lightly. To feel secure and at ease, it’s natural for us to desire clarity in our lives. This is where setting and maintaining boundaries plays a crucial role. When we’re not explicit about what we’re willing to accept or reject, we may put ourselves in risky situations or feel overwhelmed and anxious. It’s essential to express our boundaries in a considerate and confident manner while also recognising and respecting others’ limits. We can cultivate a more enriching and harmonious society by prioritising healthy, constructive, and sustainable boundaries. It’s important to remember that establishing and enforcing boundaries can significantly impact our overall well-being.
Boundaries are a necessary concept that has caused me much distress in life. I never knew what healthy boundaries were or how to establish them without being pushed to the edge and all hell breaking loose, forcing dysfunctional fear-based boundaries to be established. I was a people-pleaser. Unconsciously, I was forcing others to like a version of myself that I thought the world wanted (it did and does). This cat-and-mouse psychological game exhausted me as I drifted on open seas- from one shore of violence to the other of self-perpetuating violence. Violent because the unrest within left me confused, lost, and desperate for answers. Thank God, Messiah King Jesus, turned out to be THE TRUTH that has saved me from a life corrupted into violence before I had a chance to defend myself. I still struggle with boundaries, but I get better as God’s Holy Spirit brings me from dysfunction towards Holiness and God’s desire. God’s Love for me teaches me that love is akin to boundaries. From Genesis, we see God lay boundaries for nature, man, and spirituality.
The nation called Israel had been given boundaries/laws by God to protect them and help them prosper. However, they repeatedly disobeyed these boundaries and suffered the consequences of their actions. In Judges 2 vs 10-15, we see these principles for boundaries – value, protection, alignment, and decisiveness – stunningly captured. The Book of Judges tells us of Israel’s disobedience and their fall from grace. They broke God’s boundaries and faced oppression as a result. But amidst the chaos, there were heroes – the judges. These individuals stepped up to save Israel from oppression time and time again. They were decisive in their actions and fought for the protection of their people. The story of Israel and the judges remind us of the importance of boundaries in our lives. We must value ourselves enough to establish boundaries that protect and align us with God and His goals. And when necessary, we must be decisive in enforcing those boundaries to ensure our well-being. So let us learn from Israel’s mistakes and the judges’ heroism. Let us commit to God’s boundaries that protect ourselves from harm. And let us be decisive in our actions to ensure our prosperity and success.
In the Holy Bible, we witness the consequences of obeying and disobeying God. Proverbs 27 vs 3 highlights the negative impact of foolish disobedience, stating that it can be even heavier than a burden of stone or sand. Often, we become entangled in situations because we believe we can ignore God without repercussions. However, the reality is that God is in control, and we will ultimately face the consequences of our choices. In Revelation 22 vs 10-12, Messiah King Jesus reminds us that we will each be rewarded or punished based on our actions, and he is coming soon. Therefore, we should strive to do what is right and holy.
In Judges 2 vs 10-15, verse 15 really stands out: ‘Every time they went into battle, the LORD was against them, just as he had said he would be.’ It’s clear that God is always there for us, showing us the way and warning us of the consequences of our actions. It’s important to remember that we’re not alone and that God is always with us, guiding us through life’s challenges.
1 Corinthians 10 vs 13, ‘God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.’
#Hayibo 