Boundaries are often seen as markers indicating the extent of one's allowable reach. Walls signal the end of the street. Court lines indicate the playing field. Borders limit where the text falls in a piece of paper.
While some might think of boundaries as limitations—and thus killjoys—we can actually see boundaries as keys to freedom: operating within godly boundaries actually gives us room to pursue God passionately, have fun, enjoy life, all the while avoiding sin.
Not convinced? Here are some ways boundaries actually help us to live free.
1. Godly Boundaries Help Us Live Pure and Blameless Lives
Paul said in Philippians 1:10, "For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return." (NLT)
Having God's plan and will for us as our boundaries allow us to live "pure and blameless lives."
When we have God's standards as our boundaries, we will know what things to say "NO" to: sins, unholy living, and ungodly desires. Keep in mind that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
2. Godly Boundaries Help Us Focus on God's Call For Our Lives
Another form of boundary – vision – is one that helps us focus on God's call for our lives. Proverbs 29:18 tells us, "Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law." (ESV)
God's vision for all of us is found in His Word. There it states, "For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters" (Romans 8:29). Simply put, God wants all of us to be like Christ.
Without knowing this all of us will live a life the way we want to. We could achieve great things alright, but if we don't follow Christ and desire to be like Him, then our life as a Christian is meaningless.
3. Godly Boundaries Allow Us to Have Good, Clean Fun
Some think of God as a killjoy, but actually He's the Giver of real joy. He doesn't stop us from doing what we want, but reminds us that each and every little thing we do has a consequence, whether it's done in the open or in secret (see Ecclesiastes 12:14; Luke 8:17; Romans 2:16).
God's ways aren't that stiff, actually. The way to life might be narrow (Matthew 7:13-14), but that doesn't mean it's boring. We're told to deny ourselves and carry our crosses so that we can follow Christ, but that doesn't mean we'll live life like a masochist who loves to inflict pain on himself.
Rather, we let go of our pet sins, release our hurts and bitterness, cast off our fears and worries, and trade all of these for a holy life in God (see Matthew 16:24-26; 1 Peter 1:16). When we live for Him and in Him, He becomes our joy, and what pleases Him becomes our pleasure.
