Boundaries
I can't count the times I've watched a basketball or a team member go out of bounds during a critical moment in the game. Immediately, the referees called a foul, and a penalty was imposed. The crowd cheered or booed, depending on which team they were supporting. The boundary line on the basketball court was non-negotiable; crossing it came with consequences.
So it is within a healthy relationship with a spouse or friend. To help us understand the need for boundaries, the Bible gives us examples of boundaries that God established for His people:
| Genesis 1:4 | God separated light from darkness, establishing a fundamental boundary in creation. |
| Exodus 20:1-17 | The Ten Commandments provide moral boundaries for the Israelites, guiding their behavior. |
| Matthew 14:13 | Jesus withdrew to a solitary place, demonstrating the importance of personal time and space. |
| Galatians 6:8 | Highlights the principle of reaping what one sows, emphasizing personal responsibility. |
There are many other examples of boundaries in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. It's obvious that boundaries are not only healthy, but God used boundaries to show us that we need to determine where our foul line is and how breaching it will be handled.
It's not easy to call "Foul!" when the line is crossed, but it's necessary for many reasons, the greatest of which is protecting our mind, body, and spirit.
As a vital aspect of living a balanced life according to biblical principles, these limits help define our identity, responsibilities, and relationships. They allow us to live in peace with ourselves and others.
Using Scripture to influence us, we are encouraged to set healthy boundaries that honor His Word and ultimately bring Him glory. It's never too late to begin!
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