Boundaries are effective in keeping one safe from temptations, sins, and other regrettable things. While boundaries are powerful guidelines for one's thoughts and conduct, they are quite easy to set up.
Boundaries can keep one safe from sinning. We find several people in the Bible as having boundaries that kept them from doing what they shouldn't. Paul had boundaries in preaching the gospel which kept him from bragging (see Galatians 6:14). God gave Adam boundaries that would never separate him from God if he only obeyed them (see Genesis 2:17). Even the Lord Jesus had boundaries that kept Him focused on His task of fulfilling God's will (see John 4:34, 6:38).
Do you want to set boundaries for yourself? Here are some steps you should take to create them.
1. Know What God's Will Is — Philippians 1:10
Anybody can create their own boundaries, but unless we know what God's will is, we will never be able to create boundaries that will help us fulfill what God wants for us. Thus, the first thing we should do is to read the Word of God.
Start by reading the Word of God, and making a commitment never to miss it. Take note of the things that God wants, such as loving Him above all, and what He hates, like sin. These are fundamental to making boundaries.
2. Know the Areas You Have Difficulties With — Hebrews 12:1
While knowing what God wants helps us establish goals, knowing what we're having difficulty against helps us establish safeties. To know these, ask yourself some questions:
* What are the things that I can't resist? (Is it being too generous, or being a show-off, etc.)
* What are the things that I get tempted to do? (steal some glances at that revealing photo, get uncontrollably mad, eat too much sweets, etc.)
* What are the sins that I used to have/still have problems overcoming?
Take note of the things you discover about yourself. You'll need them to create specific boundaries.
3. Knowing These Things, Create Specific Guidelines or Boundaries for Yourself — 1 Timothy 4:16; Luke 21:34
When we know what God wants and what we're having trouble with, we can then choose the kinds of boundaries that we'll set in place.
For example, if a man has trouble not lusting after the women in magazine covers, he can decide not to look at magazine stands anymore, and pray for God to help him overcome the desire to look. It would also be good for him to tell his wife or an accountability partner of the same sex if he struggles with that.
Another example is that of a person who can't say "no" to any plea or request for help. While it's not wrong to be generous and helpful, being overly helpful can cause others to become lazy and dependent.
To deal with this, the person must learn to prioritise his time with God, his care of family, and his focus on work. If a request will compete with his time for God, family, and work, then he must learn to turn down the request.
