Boundaries Part 3

God still sets boundaries for us today. He gives us the 10 commandments and throughout the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy God’s people are given clear directives for how to live. The entire New Testament is full of directives and boundaries for holy and righteous living. God’s laws are his way of showing us that he really loves us. He wants the very best for us. But in order to live within God’s boundaries we have to know what they are.

How can a young person stay on the path of purity?  By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word within my heart that I might not sin against you. 

Psalm 119:9-11

As a parent you set boundaries for your child out of love and for their protection. When a child begins to walk around, you put up baby gates on the stairs. You close doors and place harmful items out of their reach. As they grow you will start to speak more and more directions to them. You say things like, “You may play in the backyard, but stay within the fenced area.” “Don’t talk to strangers.” or “Keep your hands to yourself.” The more important the direction, the more you state it. If you don’t say it, they won’t know what you expect. If you don’t set boundaries, then your child is constantly in question about what is ok and what isn’t. As a result, trouble occurs.

God works the same way. In Deuteronomy 6:6-9, God gives these instructions for teaching our children his law and his boundaries:

  Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them    inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates.

We must know God’s boundaries and talk about them openly with our children. Time and Again! Friends, if we are not in daily study of God’s word. If we are not living within His boundaries and telling our children that we make our choices based on God’s word, and setting very intentional real-life boundaries for them then we are not really loving them. We are giving them less than God’s best. 

Sure children push boundaries. They rebel against our guidance at times. But its worth the resistance that we must face in order to show our children how much they are really loved. They will feel safe and secure. 

As a result of living within our boundaries they will be able to set personal boundaries. If we fail to set boundaries that they must live within in their physical world, then they will not be able to live within the boundaries of an invisible God. 

Perhaps you, like me, have broken boundaries in the past. Maybe you’ve failed to teach your children to live within personal boundaries. Confess, seek guidance, and start anew. It’s a new year and an opportunity to start over!