Nations have boundaries. States have boundaries. Cities have boundaries. Every piece of owned property has boundaries. A deed of ownership describes those boundaries. If you own property, you want those boundaries to be known and honored. Thus the need for boundaries has already been established and needs not be debated.
What purpose do boundaries serve? Is it just something to do with the land itself? Will the land sneak off during some dark night unless it is contained by some boundary? Boundaries are for the understanding of the people who live there, not the soil itself.
Boundaries are about human rights and limitations, dos and don’ts. A boundary distinguishes where one can do according to their own will and where they cannot. This is pretty common knowledge with most. BUT this is a matter that must first be taught and then upheld in real practice.
“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him” Proverbs 22:15 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 Just as property boundaries require respectful behavior, so does human conduct require teaching, training, and discipline to develop a good sense of what one can do or shouldn’t do.
For unteachable creatures, people build fences, etc., to keep them within proper boundaries. Otherwise, it is by being shown where the boundaries are and being disciplined to recognize and respect them that proper dos and don’ts are established.
A church must also establish proper boundaries in teaching, practice, and stand. “Teach them to observe.” Matthew 28:20 Compare: 2 Corinthians 10:4-6, 2 Timothy 4:1-2, 1 Corinthians 5:1-7, and 2 Thessalonians 3:6,14.
Just as it is disastrous to let a child run wild and loud, climb walls, ransack the store shelves, etc., and conduct themselves as if they are entitled to unbridled behavior because they are a kid, it is equally disastrous for Christianity to ignore ongoing disobedient spiritual behavior in their midst.
For faith in obeying God’s Word to be the norm, there must be the boundaries of self discipline and accountability in place. Otherwise, the Holy Spirit will be quenched and iniquity will get the upper hand.
Parents, be sure and train your children with the proper respect for boundaries.
Christians, remove not the ancient landmarks set by God’s Word.
SHARING
