“BOUNDARIES”
Celebrate recovery Blog March 2025
Boundaries
Refreshing your memory just a bit. If you recall the last couple of months, I have written about setting goals for your life, what that could look like when you do, and some guidelines on how to accomplish that. Last month I talked about making an all in commitment to following Jesus Christ and allowing ourselves to be led by the Holy Spirit. Recently while driving to the church, I passed another Church’s billboard and was struck by the quote they had displayed. “When you focus on your problems, your goals seem to fade. When you focus on your goals, your problems seem to fade!” Well, I believe that is what Hallmark channel calls a “GODWINK.” Or as my daughter calls it a DiNozzo slap to the back of the head from the NCIS television series. Either way, it speaks volumes on what I have been trying to convey in this blog for the last few months.
This month’s title is Boundaries. I would like to take a look at the boundaries we need in our lives. I read an article called, “What are boundaries, and are they biblical? A boundary is described as a “dividing line.” In geography, a boundary is that which marks the end of one property or jurisdiction and the beginning of another. In interpersonal relationships, a boundary is what divides one person from another, so that each can have separate identities, responsibilities, and privileges. A boundary creates necessary “space” between individuals. Healthy boundaries define expectations and show respect for others. Biblically speaking, boundaries are related to self-control. The Bible commands us to control ourselves, our human nature desires to control others. (Titus 2:12) “It teaches us to say “NO” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self -controlled, up-right and godly lives in this present age.” If left unchecked, our natural desires run roughshod over others. Personal boundaries help to limit our selfish inclination to control or manipulate others. Likewise, boundaries protect us from those who have no self-control and who wish to control us.
2 Corinthians 6:14-“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” Being kind and friendly is Christ-like but when we embrace the world’s way of doing things, sometimes that allows us to become destructive. Boundaries are about taking responsibility for our own lives. God gave us the freedom to choose to live within his boundaries or outside of them and living outside of them means we have to live with the consequences that follow. Living inside of God’s boundaries brings blessings beyond measure, living outside can bring death and destruction. In ( Romans 6:23 )we read that Adam and Eve had one boundary in the Garden of Eden: Abstain from eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The Lord had given them the freedom to remain within his boundaries, but when they chose to ignore those boundaries and chose to overstep them, sin came into the world. And when God questioned them, they chose to blame someone else rather than take responsibility for their own actions and lack of self-control.
Next month I will continue with part 2 of “BOUNDARIES.” Until next month—God Bless!
Celebrate Recovery every Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. Good News Community Church!
Don
