God is a God of boundaries. In six days of creation, He continued to create and delineate. Boundaries make things clear; they delineate an area and separate what is within bounds and what is out of bounds.
Boundaries show us what is acceptable, safe, & prudent versus what is unacceptable, dangerous, or foolish. They differentiate between our responsibility versus someone else’s responsibility.
The issues of boundaries would be simple if we lived on our own, but because we live in a community with others, there is a continual tug of war as to where our responsibility ends and someone else’s begins. The more clear we are about our boundaries, the more peaceful and healthier our relationships.
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Genesis 1:26-28
Our Identity includes boundary
God defined and set boundaries to everything He created including our identity. God’s purpose causes His creation to have definition and boundaries. We cannot have a clear and secure identity until we understand the boundary and the definition God has designed for us.
In the beginning, God created Adam & Eve in His image and in His likeness. That means we were not created in the image of animals, trees, or mountains, but we were created in the likeness of God. While Evolutionists may consider us having evolved from animals, God has defined us by setting our definition as being God-like rather than animal-like! This has a huge ramification on our purpose and value as people!
Our body has a boundary
God has given us a body with a boundary, and we are called to take care of it and treat it well. Our Soul which makes up our mind, emotions, and will also belongs to us. No one should think, feel, or decide for us. God has given our soul to steward it according to His ways.
The Lord created humanity in male and female each with his/her own specific physiology and purpose in relating to each other. The acceptance of our gender and body can eliminate much insecurity, sexual identity problems, and food related disorders.
The scripture tells us that our body is the temple of God. Hence, we need to keep it pure from pollution, ungodliness, and sin, so the Spirit of God could comfortably reside in it. No one can exercise for us, eat healthy, or develop a skill. We are the ones responsible to do the work while God may send people to encourage us along the way.
Our marriage has a boundary
God has a set an order and boundary in marriage, and He has designated roles for husbands and wives. At the same time, He calls them “one” because if they look to Him as they do their part in marriage, where one ends and the other one begins will not be easily visible.
Our purpose has a boundary
God created a job description for Adam & Eve, which clearly defined the boundaries of their responsibility. He designated their sphere of stewardship. Adam & Eve were created to be fruitful, to subdue the earth, and to rule over all living creatures. This was a God given responsibility which came with its associated provision and ability to do it.
Boundaries provide accountability to what we are responsible for, and they also relieve us from the burdens and responsibilities that don’t belong to us.
If you are stressed, frustrated, or worried, you may need to examine your boundary lines. Make sure that you are clear as to where your responsibility ends and someone else’s begins.
I will continue with this subject in the next devotional.
Boundaries, accountability, identity, and all because of His love and understanding of our needs. To know His ways is to receive what we need. Good insight and practical instructions. Thank you.
Boundaries, accountability, identity, and all because of His love and understanding of our needs. To know His ways is to receive what we need. Good insight and practical instructions. Thank you.
Praise God! Thank you.