Boundaries

Happy September, Everyone! This month, I have heard about the topic of boundaries from several different people. What do healthy boundaries look like; how do we enforce our boundaries in a good way; how do we establish boundaries; and how were boundaries modeled in the Bible? These are only a few of the many questions I have been pondering, as I notice how much I struggle with boundaries myself.

Kyler O'Connor

I know a lot of the time, enforcing them can feel pretty yucky, and I think that is likely the main reason why they can be so darn tough. If keeping and enforcing them feels so yucky, then why do we do it? Well friends, even Jesus had boundaries.

People wanted Jesus to be a celebrity or even a ruler (John 6:15), but He never gave into what people wanted Him to do. He stuck with what God sent Him to do. If the crowds became too much, He would withdraw to spend time alone with God. This models how boundaries are used to help us abide in God, and His teachings. Not crossing that boundary also showed where His priorities were: with God and not with fame, popularity, or the people who wanted Him to be those things. Jesus also kept this boundary, even if others did not understand it.

There are boundaries in all relationships as well, whether it be the boundaries you set at work, with friends, or with your spouse. Boundaries at work keep us from burning out, and safe. Boundaries with friends keep you from doing things you would not normally want to do, and they keep the friendships from fracturing or breaking. Boundaries with your spouse keep trust flowing and the relationship strong.

The Ten Commandments given to Moses are God’s boundaries for our lives, and all types of relationships. These boundaries help preserve relationships among all people and keep us in a good place. While boundaries may feel hard sometimes, God designed them to help keep us safe, healthy, and abiding in Him.

​In His Name, Kyler