Boundaries
While I was growing up I found it very hard to set any boundaries. If I was ever asked to do anything I would more than likely do it. I was so desperate to fit in, to be accepted. I wasn't very popular growing up and didn't know how to set any boundaries....
As I got older I realized I was a pretty good athlete and found a way to be recognized by winning and I soon found myself stepping over other peoples boundaries, but I was so desperate to make a name for myself I didn't care. I'm surprised I had any friends growing up with the way I would talk and treat them over a silly game.
When I accepted Christ my views completely changed. I started to see where I not only needed to set some boundaries, but also where I needed to respect everybody else's boundaries.
I still struggle with setting my boundaries. The Bible talks a lot about us as believers helping others and being available to do God's work, but I struggle with setting boundaries so that people do not take advantage of me and my time. It is a very thin line to walk....
Where do you draw the line? When do you say that is enough? Why do I find myself wondering if I set the right boundary? These are just a few questions I ask myself.
I am coming to a point in my life where it is getting easier to set boundaries. I have done a lot of praying on the subject and would like to think that when I'm struggling with setting a boundary I pray about it. The truth is I don't always do that.
I want to set boundaries that aren't self motivated, or that lets me take the easy way out. I want to set boundaries that will help me with my walk, that helps me show God's love, that make people wonder why I have boundaries, that help we with my goals.... To glorify God and "Be come a man on Integrity".
God, boundaries are hard to set.... Please help me set boundaries for the glory of your kingdom, not my glory or my desires. I want you to replace my desires with your desires to help me better understand the correct boundaries to set. Amen.
As I got older I realized I was a pretty good athlete and found a way to be recognized by winning and I soon found myself stepping over other peoples boundaries, but I was so desperate to make a name for myself I didn't care. I'm surprised I had any friends growing up with the way I would talk and treat them over a silly game.
When I accepted Christ my views completely changed. I started to see where I not only needed to set some boundaries, but also where I needed to respect everybody else's boundaries.
I still struggle with setting my boundaries. The Bible talks a lot about us as believers helping others and being available to do God's work, but I struggle with setting boundaries so that people do not take advantage of me and my time. It is a very thin line to walk....
Where do you draw the line? When do you say that is enough? Why do I find myself wondering if I set the right boundary? These are just a few questions I ask myself.
I am coming to a point in my life where it is getting easier to set boundaries. I have done a lot of praying on the subject and would like to think that when I'm struggling with setting a boundary I pray about it. The truth is I don't always do that.
I want to set boundaries that aren't self motivated, or that lets me take the easy way out. I want to set boundaries that will help me with my walk, that helps me show God's love, that make people wonder why I have boundaries, that help we with my goals.... To glorify God and "Be come a man on Integrity".
God, boundaries are hard to set.... Please help me set boundaries for the glory of your kingdom, not my glory or my desires. I want you to replace my desires with your desires to help me better understand the correct boundaries to set. Amen.
posted by Andy Rainey at Wednesday, August 03, 2005
1 Comments:
I struggle with boundaries big time. I often wonder, when seting boudaries, should it be consistent? Like a line? Or can the "line" be different for each unique person or situation that you are seting the boudaries for? What if you set your boudaries too short, and something is left short? What if you think you are going to far, but you are really helping tremendously? Discernment is huge in boudaries. Outside sources can interrupt and alter the perception of boudaries. That is where the focus and trust factor comes in when following God's leadings. Good stuff again man, I really enjoy your writings.
j-steg
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