Boundaries

https://odb.org/MY/2023/07/31/staying-on-track-2

In life, we learn about boundaries as we grow up. Even as a toddler, there are things we can and can not do. Like we are not allowed to climb down the stairs. So, it’s common to install a detachable gate at the entrance to stairs. Toddlers and young children need to avoid combustible things, and thus, lighters and matches are put away. Anything a child may swallow is kept away, especially medication. These boundaries are put in place for our own good to protect us.

As we grow up and start going to school, we learn that there are social nuances and boundaries. So even though girls are treated like boys when young, they become different when puberty sets in. Thus, as they grow up, boys avoid touching girls. In fact, as we enter society, inappropriately touching a female may result in a sexual harassment case against us at work or may even lead to a criminal charge of molest. At the workplace, sexual harassment encompasses a variety of actions beyond just touching, and that includes words used in conversation or in writing or the things we send out via WhatsApp. Even when driving on the road, there are clear boundaries – we need to stay in our lane and not cut queue or drive against traffic signs or lights. All these boundaries are meant for orderly living and driving. It’s part and parcel of life as we know it.

Therefore, when we enter into the Kingdom of God as believers redeemed by Christ, there are likewise spiritual boundaries. We just heard a coined phrase “spiritual fornification” by our local preacher at our worship service yesterday. It basically means we must always remember that we may only worship the one and only God and not go round searching for other gods or alternative spiritual experiences lest we are put away or “divorced” by Christ before He comes again to invite us as His bride. We will recall that during the betrothal period, Joseph thought of putting away Mary who was already with a child prior to their marriage, but didn’t do that as an angel assured him that Mary’s child was conceived supernaturally by the Holy Spirit.

Know our boundaries as we journey with Christ on this narrow path to everlasting life. Stay the course and don’t get distracted from our calling or be diverted into the wide and easy road that leads to destruction. As sheep, we will know the voice of the Shepherd – listen to Him. Jesus has given us the Helper – the Holy Spirit will guide and convict us of our sins. He is the voice of our conscience and more as He is Christ living in us. He not only keeps us honest, but He also empowers us and strengthens us when we are weak.

Move out in faith, believing and trusting God. Do not let unbelief deprive us of our full potential in Christ, like how one whole generation of Israelites were left behind except Joshua and Caleb. After being freed from the bondage of slavery, because of unbelief, they spent another 38 years in the wilderness before the new generation could enter the Promised Land. As much as the LORD told Joshua to be bold and courageous for He is with him, Moses repeated the commandments to them to remind them to keep them when they live in the Promised Land. There are still boundaries, and as history will show, Israel later disregarded them and ended up being exiled first by the Assyrians and then the Babylonians. Know and remember our boundaries with God – as much as He is our Father and Shepherd, He is still God.