I will never forget something that happened on my last day of service year. At our batch send-forth, a sister in the fellowship walked up to me during the public event and asked, “Papa, can I hug you?” In that one question, she made a statement. My life had boundaries. A lady had to ask before she could hug me. What about you? Are you setting the right boundaries around your life?
Friend, are you guarding your life with the right boundaries (Psalm 17:4-5)? A life without boundaries is a dangerous life. Boundaries are not our enemies. They are our safety. They don’t steal our joy. They protect our purpose and help us live a life that endures (Judges 13:12).
One sign that a person will amount to nothing is living without restraint — acting in ways that contradict godliness and virtue (Proverbs 29:18). I’m grateful to God for the boundaries I set early in life, and I have no plans to drop them. You never outgrow boundaries. In fact, the higher you go, the tighter your boundaries must become (1 Corinthians 9:27).
It is better to be called “too strict” than to be called “too careless” (Proverbs 31:1-4). The desire to please people and stay in their good books has shipwrecked many destinies. If your goal is to please everyone, you will end up pleasing the devil. Choose instead to live in a way that pleases God (Romans 12:1-2).
What people call “strictness” is often not strict enough. When you catch a revelation of your divine destiny, you stop seeing godly standards as too hard (Job 31:1). You embrace rules. You value laws. You welcome people who challenge your character and integrity. You love accountability (Hebrews 13:7, 17).
The first rule in hell is “do as you please.” The first rule in heaven is “do as God pleases” (Matthew 6:10). Your lifestyle shows whether you are closer to hell or heaven. God’s will is sanctification; living as He pleases, not as we or others please (Matthew 6:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:3). That is how His kingdom comes. So, where are your boundaries today?
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria