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April 27, 202015

Galatians 5:13 says, “You my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”Because God wants us to enjoy the freedom for which Christ has set us free, He gives us boundaries which aren’t meant to limit us, but to protect us and to protect the freedom we were meant to enjoy.

• Boundaries are lines of distinction. God’s boundaries separate His followers from the rest of the world.

• Boundaries communicate messages. They reveal to non-believers messages about the holiness and expectations of God.

• Boundaries establish relationships. They help people understand who we are as their friends, co-workers, and neighbors. They tell people “how we roll”. Boundaries identify principles and values in our lives. Our actions communicate what is important to us whether it is something like pulling out of our driveways every Sunday to go to church or abstaining from the Club on the weekend.

• Boundaries keep us safe. Everything God has established for us in His Word as a boundary is for our protection. It is for our benefit. It is so that we can enjoy life to the fullest without the yucky consequences that come from feeding our flesh.

Having boundaries and maintaining them isn’t just a good idea. It is critical. Think of personal boundaries as a road map. You won’t get where you truly desire to go as a Christ follower with them. In order to honor God’s BIG BOUNDARIES (The Ten Commandments and others) we must ask the Holy Spirit to help us set personal, individual boundaries to keep us far from God’s boundary lines.

Just because something is lawful doesn’t mean it is helpful or what the Spirit of God would lead us to do. Romans 14:12 tells us: “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” If it is against God’s desires for our lives it won’t matter if it wasn’t against the law. Each one of us will talk with God about our choices.

So learn to set limits on your life that will enable you to honor the boundaries God has set. When you do, you will truly live free and your life will reflect the glory and holiness of God!

 

Pastor Melissa

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