Boundaries
In my early twenties I built fences all around the Atlanta area. I dug holes, poured concrete, stretched chain-link wire, nailed boards. In time, I learned how to make a fence look good and stand strong. But I still am learning how to build the kinds of fences that are important for a healthy spiritual life.
Good “fences” are important for our lives, not just for our neighborhoods. Here are three boundaries that followers of Jesus need to build and maintain.
The Boundary of Identity. American culture allows people to assume whatever identity they please. Followers of Jesus, however, operate under different values. Our lives are to look increasingly like the life of Jesus as we are being transformed into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18). We are to absorb His identity. We are to think about things that are pure and lovely and commendable (Philippians 4:8). We are to obey the commands of Jesus (John 14:15) and to teach other disciples to obey His commands (Matthew 28:20).
American culture values unrestricted inclusiveness. Not so with Jesus. Instead, He frequently drew circles that excluded people who did not belong to Him. He told people that the gate that leads to life is narrow and that few people would enter it (Matthew 7:13-14). He warned that a day is coming when “sheep” will be separated from “goats” (Matthew 25:33) and when He will say to some people, “Depart from me. I never knew you” (Matthew 7:21-23).
Yes, whosoever will may come to Jesus (Revelation 22:17), and our salvation is by grace rather than by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, life in God's kingdom comes with the clear expectation that we will obey the King. Our thoughts and actions will align with His values. Our lives will leave little doubt that we are His. What aspects of your identity need to change to better reflect His character?
The Boundary of Purpose. Discovering God’s purpose for you and focusing your efforts on accomplishing that purpose is deeply rewarding but not easy. So many distractions threaten to dilute your effectiveness.
Jesus was a master at prioritizing His purpose. One morning after a long night of teaching and healing, Jesus arose early and found a deserted place to pray. His disciples soon found Him and reminded Him what they thought He should be doing. They said, "Everyone is looking for you,” presumably so He could heal more people. But Jesus told them that they were packing up and heading to another town (Mark 1:38). Jesus knew that His purpose was to tell people about the Kingdom of God during a three-year journey to a cross, not to stay in one place and heal sick people.
If you lose sight of your purpose, you will never accomplish it. What is your purpose? What are you doing to protect your ability to accomplish that purpose?
The Boundary of Time. Ironically, Christians can be some of the worst offenders when it comes to failure to observe the commandment of sabbath rest. Driven by a strong work ethic during the week, church members also may be urged to attend every Bible study and ministry their church offers.
Jesus urged His weary disciples, “Come away by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31). His words ring truer than ever in the digitally fueled mania of today’s world. An overpacked schedule may be far more damaging to your relationship with God than things people typically recognize as sin. What boundaries do you need to put around your time to make sure you have adequate margin and adequate rest?
Fences do not build themselves. Nobody else will establish your boundaries for you. Instead, people will push hard to make your identity, priorities, and schedule conform to their own wishes. Learn to build better fences and you will be infinitely more effective and much happier as you live out God’s calling.
(Posted by Jim Gant, PhD)
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