Week 11 Saturday

Boundaries

Today’s scripture selection: First Corinthians 5-6

Key verses: First Corinthians 6:12

I have found that one of the most helpful concepts to be discussed in Christian counseling circles is that of “boundaries”.

If you want to know more about it in detail I highly recommend the book of that title, written by Drs. Cloud and Townsend.  I’ve given away many copies over the years.

Now, the apostle Paul obviously didn’t know anything about Cloud and Townsend.  But he definitely understood about healthy boundaries.  He wrote about them when he defended his right to be free from unnecessary religious ritual – while still choosing to do only that which was “beneficial.”

People tend to get so caught up with rules and regulations – especially when it comes to religion.  Well, I believe that being a Christ follower frees you from a lot of that.  After all, it’s not your record of perfect church attendance that saves you – it’s God’s grace.  It’s not your association with a particular religious denomination that makes the difference – it’s your relationship with God through Christ.

On the other hand, just because you are freed from some things – doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use some discernment about what you should and should not get involved with.  Boundaries.

How about you?  Can you say you have healthy boundaries?  Do you take responsibility for yourself or blame others for everything?  Do you get involved with things you know are unhealthy for you or your family just because you can?  Or do you prayerfully decide where to place appropriate limits?  Do you respect other people’s boundaries – or poke your nose in to be “helpful” – maybe even to the point of enabling unhealthy behavior in others?

These are good questions to ask.

Yes, we have been set “free” by God’s grace – but that doesn’t mean, as Paul once put it, that we should “sin all the more” so that we experience “more” grace.

So – take an internal, healthy boundaries inventory today.  God desires that you and yours have a free and joyful life – and it may just be that establishing some healthy boundaries are a good way to find it.

Prayer: Lord, help me to understand what is beneficial for me, according to your will.  AMEN.