Boundaries

“Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.” 1 Peter 2:11

America’s beloved gospel singer, George Beverly Shea went home to be with Jesus last week at 104. He was part of an amazing team of three men who have faithfully walked with God for the past 70 years that they have been together – Dr. Billy Graham, Cliff Barrows and George Beverly Shea.

I have read many books about these men and their ministry. One of the things that stands out about them is that early on in their ministry they understood that they would face temptation and would need to guard their hearts. Early on they laid out strict boundaries to protect themselves.

They made it a policy to never even ride an elevator unless another one of the team or a family member was with them. They never allowed themselves to be in a room alone with another woman other than their wives.

In the Every Man, God’s Man devotional, Steve Arterbun says “God’s man cannot win battles without boundaries. A specific plan needs to be draw up and pursued. This means laying out in advance, those actions that will preserve your commitment, help you practice your faith, and allow you to produce the desire result you are seeking as God’s man.”

What might those boundaries look like?

• Places you will or will not go
• Things you will or will not place before your eyes
• Friendships you will or will not keep
• Situations you will embrace or avoid
• Disciplines you will or will not pursue
• Words you will or will not use
• Conversations you will or will not participate in
• Relationships you will or will not pursue
• Thoughts you will or will not allow yourself to feed upon
• Values you will or will not teach to your kids

Talk to guys who have been disqualified from the race and they will tell you that they wished that they had taken the time to lay out the boundaries. You and I can start today by stating what the boundaries are in our lives and then keeping them before us at all times.

What are the boundaries you have put in place? I’d love to hear your!

Running the race with joy,

Bill Welte
President/CEO of America’s Keswick

Daily Bible Reading: Daniel 11-12; Revelation 9

Quote of the day: I can preach truth, but only the Holy Spirit can impart truth. Dr. Adrian Rogers

Bible Memory: “I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.” Psalm 119:75-76 ESV