A Line in the Sand...

     We all draw lines in our lives.  We all have the freedom and ability to determine what is acceptable to us and what crosses the lines we have drawn.  In order to maintain our boundaries, we must enforce the limits on ourselves and defend them from others.  At times, we defend these limits vehemently, and at times we cross them ourselves!
     But what lines do we draw concerning our faith and why?  Are our limits determined by our own denominations? Our own upbringings?  Our life experiences?  What about our own reason or understanding?
     Whatever the criteria, we must have clearly defined limits of right and wrong - good and evil - if we are to live lives which please God.
     But I have come to realize as of late that these boundaries (and the criteria behind them) are often hindering our walks with God!  In recent months, I have felt the challenge in my life to question many of my boundaries, and many of them have been either drastically redefined or altogether obliterated as I grow in my faith and understanding.  Often these changes have been well outside of my "comfort zone", but what I'm trying to get at goes well beyond mere comfort.
     Ask yourself:
      ...Do I limit my faith and obedience to God?
      ...If so, how and why?
      ...What areas of my life are "off limits" to being changed or challenged?  Finances? Career? Hobbies? Entertainment? Love life? Family and friends? My established beliefs and traditions?  My denomination and its teachings?
     Be brutally honest with yourself.  Then, ask the most important question....

If I am His child, if I am His servant, why am I the one defining the boundaries???

Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net 

    What I have learned is this - when God's Word, His Truth, shows us what is right, we have only two choices.  We can be His people - we can obey, change, correct ourselves, whatever it takes.  Or, we can defend our own boundaries - whatever they may be.

     There is an account in the Old Testament where Moses draws a line in the sand and all the people must chose their side - Moses and God or rebellion and self.  What happened to all those who chose wrongly?  The earth opened and swallowed them up!

     If we are sincerely seeking God and His ways, He will show us.  Take it from me when I tell you - His ways are not generally the easiest!  He is, I believe, drawing a line in the sand for us today.  Many of us draw an alternative line as if to say in response, "I will go this far and no further!"  Are we really so foolish as to think God would, then, re-draw His boundaries to include us in our obstinance and rebellion?  Isn't He God?  Who are we???

     I will be sharing with you some of my own stories of God redefining my obedience to Him.  It started with me having to face the questions that I'm presenting to you now.  In order for me to be able to make any of it make sense to you, I have to start here.

     We will all have to choose our side of HIS line - in spite of other factors.  It may be that we do not have the support of friends or family.  It may cost us time or money, and we may have to make hard, uncomfortable changes.  But, if we are not willing to cross these self-imposed boundaries, we will stand, ultimately, in rebellion to Him!

     Please give this heart-felt consideration!  In the mean time, be blessed and enjoy the beautiful day He has made for you!

"Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

- Jesus (Matthew 7:21)