Boundaries Are Blessings by Healthy by DesignSample

Where are Boundaries Needed Most?

Devotion

I hope you're clear and agree that the lack of boundaries is really a heart issue. Now what?

Next, let's begin the process of allowing God to open our hearts so that we can begin to establish firm boundaries and actually maintain them this time.

Remember, it's when our hearts are not fully committed to the Lord that we have challenges with maintaining boundaries in various areas of our lives.

The Pharisees, a group of zealous Jews, were forever trying to put boundaries around all areas of their lives to keep them from sinning. The problem was that these boundaries were more focused on their outward appearance instead of understanding the true meaning and power behind the rules. As a result, they were forever breaking them, only to create more that they could never uphold. The Pharisees were all about laws and rules and had classified over 600 laws. When one of them asked Jesus to identify the most important law, e.g., boundary, Jesus summarized it for them with a simple and profound response that still holds true today.

Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39).

Could it be that simple?

Love God


Love Your Neighbor


Love Yourself

What simplicity! Instead of worrying about all that we should and should not do, focus on these three things. During this month, you're going to focus on erecting boundaries in your life so you can prioritize your health with a focus on these three simple principles.

Think about your health for a minute... Now, look at Jesus' directive. Do you need anything more to help you live within your boundaries?

Think about every boundary you break, every stronghold you encounter, and every struggle you face. Now apply Jesus' teaching to all of them. Take a deep breath and experience the peace that comes from knowing that as you learn to love God and love your neighbor as yourself, you will experience God's Indescribable Peace and Freedom.

Get ready!!

Reflect

1. Why did Jesus deem these three directives to be the Greatest Commandment—even the greatest of the Ten Commandments?

2. Why do you believe you struggle with maintaining your healthy boundaries?

3. Why weren't the religious leaders able to keep all of the rules and regulations they created, and what similarities are there between you and them in trying to keep your boundaries?

Worship and Prayer

"Dear Lord, I thank You for the simplicity of Your Word. I've tried 101 ways to make myself stick to my boundaries for most of my life, and I keep falling short. I can never make my boundaries stick. I thank You for Your Word that washes over me and teaches me what's most important. Open my heart, Lord, so that I can love You, love others, and learn how to love myself by renewing my mind. When I focus on what's important, I know that I don't have to spend so much time focused on what I should and shouldn't do. Your Spirit will lead me. In Your Name, I pray. Amen."