I’m all about boundaries. I didn’t used to be, mind you. No-sir-ee, I lived in the relative discomfort of the overwhelmed boundary-less. So, it is no surprise that when Beth brought up the following point at the Living Proof Live conference in San Antonio, I sat up and took notice.
I am an heir of God. My boundary lines form a pleasing place.
It’s funny how we tend to view boundaries as confining or stifling – anything but pleasing! However, in reality they provide security, safety and freedom. The statement above talks about the boundary lines of our lives. So, what are the boundary lines that make up our lives? Beth proposes the following:
This box represents our “property” that has been entrusted to us during our lifetime. I added the little man in the middle, to illustrate which way we’re moving. The boundary line to the left represents our past and the things in it that have shaped us, good and bad. To this, the following verse is added:
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time (this present life) are not worth being compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us and for us and conferred on us! Romans 8:18 (Amplified)
You may be thinking, “If my past is a boundary line, it definitely does NOT form a pleasing place!” However, the things that perhaps we’ve suffered in this lifetime (some perhaps not even by our own hand) have been redeemed. Their inclusion in our lives has shaped us, and entrusted to God, they equip us and give foundation to our ministries. God is faithful to use that past for good, if we’ll let Him.
Under that little man’s feet are his life experiences. These are the everyday events that make up our lives and the path that we travel. Ahead of him, you’ll find his giftings. We’ve all been given gifts, both talents and spiritual gifts, to use for the advancement of the Kingdom. 1 Corinthians 12:7 (NIV) tells us this:
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
Not just to some, but to each one. That’s you and me. Combined with the experiences of our past, and our every-day, our gifts have a strength and a relevance that they wouldn’t have otherwise.
The last boundary line lies at the top. It’s our intimacy with God. Even with the strength of our experience and the depth of our gifting on our side, our anointing will never go any higher than our intimacy with God. Walking within the boundaries God has given us, our intimacy with Him redeems the past, strengthens us in our present and fuels our gifting for His purposes.
So, those boundary lines are looking pretty pleasant now, aren’t they? As long as we stay within them, are we completely safe? We can be, but only by faith. We have to walk the boundary lines everyday, checking for weak places in the fence. Without a strong walk of faith, we become vulnerable and invite trouble.
And do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:27 (NIV)
If God is not invading ALL of our property, satan will certainly be obliged to fill in.
There really is safety and security within the boundary lines God sets for us. It doesn’t mean that the enemy won’t come a knockin’ (as he most certainly will), and it doesn’t mean that our lives will be pain and problem-free. But it does mean that, through faith, we can live productive, satisfying lives with eternal benefits, all from the pleasant place He’s given us.
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. Psalm 16:5-6 (ESV)
Hebrews 10:25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Melinda,
I loved this posting, from start to finish, would you mind if I print this off?
I love ya,
Yolanda
Excellent summation! Love that little fella, just movin on. Every time I think on this box, I also recall what Lisa said the night of the PJ party, that sometimes the pile of life experiences (good, bad and ugly) push us into a more intimate relationship with God.
Blessings and hugs – tammy
Your diagram is so much neater than mine turned out…
Joanne
OK…so flesh this out for me a little more if you can in an email. I’m really into the diagram, but I’m not sure as to the full extent of how we use them, as it pertains to the concept of boundaries/protection of self, etc.
Sounds so wonderful. I’m just slower to learn than most.
peace~elaine
Hi! I found you @ Lysa’s. I have been married for 25 years this summer too!
This post reminded me of a sermon I heard @ my in-laws church which seemed so simple, yet profound…The Pastor said that the law is like fences used to keep the sheep safe.
We had sheep once. Three of them. They got out of the fence and ate themselves to death. There are so many other dangers outside the boundaries like wolves or falling off a cliff. Did you know that if a sheep lands on its back it cannot get up by itself?
I think that the passage about boundaries in pleasant places is that place of faith (as you stated) and obedience where we can have peace and security.
Thanks for sharing!
Kathy