Boundaries

Boundaries are a part of everyday life. Sometimes we appreciate the boundaries and sometimes we don't, what we do know for sure is that boundaries can be very good for us.

Think about the track runner. What would happen if there was no starting line and no finish line? How would there be a race? Where would the runners go? How will they know when the race is over? Think about the basketball player. What would happen if they could run anywhere in the whole building to keep the ball away from the other team? That would be one wild and crazy game! Think about driving down a road that has no lines. I witnessed traffic in the Dominican Republic. It was interesting indeed. There were rules and boundaries there, but weren't always obeyed. That makes the traffic paralyzing and dangerous!

God doesn't want us to live that way! He has given us His Word as a set of guidelines for living. The boundaries that he has set in place make sense. His Word gives instruction not just for beginning this race we call life, but also about how to make it to the finish line.....as a winner!  It is up to us to learn, study, and obey His Word, and that is when our course is made clear to us. Instead of chaos, we can have peace. Instead of confusion, we can have clarity.

Romans 12:2 says: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."

I was sitting with two of my daughters the other day, talking about rules and boundaries. One of them turned to me and said, "I like your boundaries mom, in the end they always make sense."  As a mom I have to tell you that her statement sure did my heart some good! It also made me acutely aware of the responsibility I have as a Christian. As parents we want to be good examples for our kids, but it can't stop there. In addition to our immediate family we also have a circle of influence that our words and actions impact. Whether we are single or married, a mom or grandma, a dad or grandpa, a brother or sister, what we do, or don't do impacts other people's lives.

Our calling is simple. We are called to make disciples of others.
Matthew 28:19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."  It is time for us to live with purpose. Dig into the Word of God and do what it says.....the impact you make on others will be for eternity!