Pushing Boundaries
One of my children likes to really "push" the limit with me. He likes to see just how close he can get to the "boundary" line that has been set without actually crossing it. On the outset, this doesn't seem like such a huge deal. I mean, at least he is staying within those boundaries right?
Often times as adults, we do the very same thing. We know there is a line drawn that we shouldn't cross. The Bible makes that very clear. So, we scoot right on up to the edge... just enough to peak but we are oh so careful not to actually step over. On the outset, this doesn't seem like such a huge deal. I mean, at least we are staying within our "God-given" boundaries right?
Wrong.
Imagine with me for a moment if you will. Draw a big nice round circle with your hand. Now, let's place God right smack dab in the middle. Now, place yourself right there next to the Father. That's where we all like to be, right there next to Him.
The other side of that line - that's the world.
Now, walk a bit towards that line you drew - any direction, it doesn't matter.
Keep walking.
Here is the problem with testing boundaries. The closer you get towards that line that has been drawn, the fuzzier it becomes. Then suddenly, you look down and you can see it.
You look back, and realize you've crossed it. You have become so inundated in "the world" that you can't clearly see the Father anymore.
The further and further you walk away from the Father, the harder and harder it gets to see that pretty line that was drawn. The difference between you and the world becomes a little fuzzy and you begin to blend in more and more.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
What is it that is pulling you towards that line and away from the Father? Do you truly stand out from the world or do you kind of blend in so that those around you have to really look hard for the difference?
Oh Father, help us to draw close to you. Father, Christ tells us to be imitators of Him (1 Cor. 1:11), and not just in the things that "we feel" we should imitate but in ALL things. In our flesh we want to try and get as close to the "line" as we can, but help us Father to live our lives according to Your Word that You have set forth. May we constantly strive to be women that are wholly pleasing to You, living according to Your standards and not the worlds.
Stop by and visit sometime... it'll be a joy!
posted by Unknown @ 12:01 AM
13 Comments:
Great devotion.
I really like your example. I have said that God gave us a playpen of wonderful things and as long as we stay within it and don't crawl out we are still in His protection. Very nice devotion.
Lynn
Beautiful post and so true. It puts me in mind of the Casting Crowns song "Slow Fade" that basically is a shorter trip from your head to your hands than you think... be careful what you see and think and hear....
Thank you for this. I'm a big boundaries person but I love to push the envelope too. I suppose that's where we fall into the Grace Margin with God. He's like the parent we all aim to be. He's willing to give us the space to move towards the edge, but we always know He's right there, waiting for us to come home and do what's right. Thank you again for this beautiful post.
Such truth here, and perfectly described. We all need this - me especially. Thank you.
Awesome devotion, Chelsey! Great truths here.
Spurgeon says some good stuff about this very topic:
"Who would wantonly enter the leper’s prison and sleep amid its horrible corruption? He only who desires to be leprous himself would thus court contagion. If the mariner knew how to avoid a storm, he would do anything rather than run the risk of weathering it. Cautious pilots have no desire to try how near the quicksand they can sail, or how often they may touch a rock without springing a leak; their aim is to keep as nearly as possible in the midst of a safe channel."
We all need to be reminded of this so often! Thanks for doing that for us this morning.
This is so true and so timely with our world changing at such as fast pace. New challenges and temptations pop up every day. My 93 year old Granddaddy told me the secret to his walk with the Lord was to "draw a line in the sand...don't put one foot over that line, and then you won't ever have to worry about the other foot".
Great devotion! I love the illustration. I will have to remember if for myself and to teach to my son. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you all so much. This is a lesson that God has been "hammerin" on me lately. We MUST be sure of who we are in Christ and what that looks like especially in the days that lie ahead!
Hi LauraLee,
Thank you for visiting my blog and signing up to follow me here at Cheryl Wright - Perspectives on Life.
I enjoyed reading your posts at Internet Cafe ... your daily cup full and your insightful thoughts.
I too have signed on to follow you.
Bye for now.
Thank you Chelsey for the great word picture. There's always the danger of getting to close to the edge and falling over. I do think we like to flirt with the boundaries sometimes by "toddling" away on our own...just like those toddlers who are always looking behind to see if we're following them, instead of staying close to us.
Chelsey, What a powerful reminder for all of us as Christians. Thank you!
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