When I was growing up, one of the things we would often do was ride our bikes along a narrow path that overlooked a deep ditch near our house. The idea was to ride as close to the edge as possible without falling off. As children, we thought that was a fun game. But in life, pushing the boundaries can be something altogether different.
If you are a passionate follower of Christ, you know that God has given us boundaries designed to keep us on a healthy path. The Ten Commandments are a good example. They establish boundaries that guide how we live in relationship with God and with one another.
Consider the commandment, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” In simple terms, don’t lie. The boundary God establishes is one of truthfulness. We are called to live lives of honesty and integrity and to treat others the way we would want to be treated.
Studies on lying have shown that one reason people lie is to protect themselves or to make themselves look better in others’ eyes. When we do that, we present something about ourselves that simply isn’t true.
So, how does this relate to boundaries? When we begin pushing against the boundary, we may convince ourselves that a lie is acceptable under certain circumstances. It’s just a little lie. No one will get hurt. I’m only protecting myself. But the more often we cross that boundary, the easier it becomes. Eventually, what began as an exception can develop into a pattern. Lying becomes easier whenever telling the truth becomes uncomfortable.
That was never God’s intention for us. The Ten Commandments were not intended to be stifling, but freeing. Think again about riding that bike near the ditch. The boundary wasn’t the dangerous part. The ditch was. The boundary showed us where the danger began. Falling into the ditch caused bumps and bruises and a few broken bones.
God’s boundaries work in much the same way. They are not there simply to restrict us; they help keep us from the things that can damage our lives and our relationships. And this damage can be so much more than just a bump or bruise but can have severe consequences in our lives.
When we stay within the boundaries God has established, we don’t have to remember what story we told, cover up what we did, or worry about whether the truth will eventually come out. We are free to live lives of honesty and integrity.
And when we live that way, we demonstrate respect and love for others, and we reflect the character of the God we follow. God’s boundaries are not meant to keep us from enjoying life. They are meant to help us live life well.
So, in the end the challenge is not to see how close to the boundary we can get without falling off the edge, but rather where in the boundaries do we need to live. Let me ask you. What boundaries do you need to look at and review? Where are you towing the line and hoping that you don’t fall into the ditch. Be real and honest with yourself.
As I think about the boundary issue, one area for me is my eating habits. I tend to eat better but I just eat too much. I struggle to draw that boundary in a safe place. My problem is that I get to the boundary, but I do not stop. I have one more bite, one more piece, until I am stuffed. The result is I feel sluggish, tired and I am overweight. Now before you think I am a lost cause. I am learning. I am getting better. But I am still working on this.
I ask that you pray and ask what boundaries do you need to address in your life? If we are honest with ourselves and with God, we will begin see a change come and we can be empowered by the Spirit to live within the boundaries established for our good.
Life on the edge 