Moral Boundaries
The First of the Three Boundaries
My bride of 37 years took on a project when she married me. Among the things that needed to change were my health habits, specifically what I ate and how my body was restored. Several boundaries have helped me immeasurably over the last four decades.
Cut out refined sugar.
Say no to junk food.
Don't let sleep get stolen.
Don't let busyness nudge out exercise.
As I've committed to these simple things, I feel terrific!
Moral boundaries bring vitality to our lives as well. It doesn't take but a few to put our life on a course for God's glory and our joy. Like physical boundaries, these are never to be attempted in your own strength and power. Moral boundaries are best achieved through dependence on Christ alone. Here are three moral boundaries that I call "the moral triangle."
Don't let anyone or anything steal your love for God.
"And he said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'" (Matthew 22:37)
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." (Deuteronomy 6:5)
The greatest commandment emphasizes total devotion, loyalty, and reverence to God. This boundary calls disciples to prioritize God above anyone and everything else. We can make this choice daily, and it produces a healthier appreciation and love for others.
Never withhold love from people, no matter who they are.
"And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39).
"You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord." (Leviticus 19:18)
This moral boundary governs interpersonal relationships. It compels us not to be self-focused, offering respect, kindness, and justice to those around us. Not withholding love from others makes our problems seem smaller.
Keep your worship pure by resisting sin.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2).
"Abstain from every form of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:22)
Scripture sets boundaries for personal conduct, differentiating between righteousness and sin that misses the mark. When we choose to keep our hands clean and hearts pure, our minds get aligned with God. Putting boundaries up against sin involves creativity, courage, and resolve.
Karl
To learn more about how setting boundaries can help you conquer the one thing that is defeating you, purchase a copy of Karl’s new book, Killing Sin, right here.