“Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” — Luke 12:13 - 14 NIV
Boundaries aren’t limits. They are strategic barriers created to bring a clear-cut separation between what belongs to you or not and what you must engage in or not.
Some people create boundaries in their minds whenever they make new friends. And for that reason, they disallow some people from getting too close to them. Again, some people ignore the boundaries they set. And so they end up doing all kinds of wrong things with the people that come into their lives.
One familiar example of this happens in the concept of relationships. Some singles ignore the truth that God made sex to be enjoyed in the context of marriage, not to be experimented on in times of dating relationships. So they end up engaging in sexual immorality and may even end up with premarital pregnancy.
You see, God is wise. He knows the end from the beginning (Revelation 22:13). He knew the kind of people that would be living on the face of this earth before Genesis. According to Ephesians 1:4, the Bible tells us that God chose us in Christ before the foundation of this world. So He knew you even before He created this earth.
In His own wisdom, He has created systems, structures and principles in this world for us to understand, submit to, and apply respectively. But many times, people ignore learning these things from the Word. And that’s why they seek all kinds of schemes to replace what God has laid down to be followed (Ecclesiastes 7:29).
That became clear when one man came to Jesus and told him to divide an inheritance with his brother. Jesus could have done it. But he said, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” So Jesus, with all His authority and popularity, still had boundaries in His mind concerning where He must exercise His spiritual sovereignty. God sent Him to die and take away the sin of the world (John 1:29), not to settle family disputes. What about you?
The question is, “Do you know your specific calling?” Because if you know, there are some practices you’ll intentionally desist from involving yourself in it. What I’m saying isn’t about making efforts to solve every issue that comes before your table as servants of God. It’s about preventing yourself from being involved in battles God didn’t call you to fight.
Create your boundaries, servant of God. Be careful about being distracted only to satisfy the needs of others. God’s calling upon your life isn’t the same as others. It’s unique.
If He called you to hold prayer gatherings for thousands of people every month, do so with all diligence, and stop thinking about building churches just because people show up in your meetings (except if God leads you to establish it). Also, in our day-to-day living, avoid getting too involved in another person’s life, especially in the context of marriage and relationships. You’re not the protector of unions and friendships, so create your boundaries.
Lead a quiet life by committing to God’s work and minding your own business.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer
Oh God, give me the wisdom to create wise and spiritual boundaries in my life; so that You will keep me from becoming distracted by doing what others need instead of focusing on what you’ve called me to do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Devotional Code: KGD // 2022 – 342
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