Expansive Boundaries
The more I recognize myself in union with Christ the more comfortable I am with myself. I tap His expression in me and it incites me to be who I am. When identity is at rest then personal boundaries emerge to safeguard false identifications with other people, causes, or roles. Definition comes to the foreground as the branch draws life from the Vine.
People perish for lack of vision. Vision is more than a goal to lose weight, run a marathon, write a book, or to organize clutter. Vision is about seeing who I am. As His image in me takes shape I find a worthy reason to be myself. Apart from that vision, there is nothing worth fighting for. With the vision comes the desire to carve out the space for incubating clearer vision. It is the vision that calls for the boundaries.
A boundary does not limit size or space; it actually creates the space for privacy in Christ. Privacy with Him expands my capacity for others. He transforms self-focus into generosity. Setting the boundary is a generous step. It clears the path so the transformation can be authentic (uncontrived, unfeigned). He makes Himself clear in me so that what He has to say can set my standards. He is not divided. When it comes to His will for my life He makes it known to me first and foremost. This establishes my confidence in His voice above all others.
In general, a lack of personal boundaries clouds personal clarity. To find, apply, and respect my own boundaries is healthy love and self-respect which precedes healthy love and respect for others. A boundary keeps me from crossing the line when condemnation and judgment join allegiance. It keeps me “on my side” by creating the space for continual recognition of Christ in me, as me.
In 2004 the Lord spoke to me of boundaries and said, “Susan, where there are no boundaries there will eventually be barriers. Boundaries support relationships, barriers do not. Barriers are walls that separate; boundaries are simply lines that denote restriction; barriers divide, boundaries protect; barriers offend, boundaries command respect.”
Years later, I have an even greater appreciation! Experience is a great teacher. I love the learning process and the natural form that faith takes as lessons are inherently implemented in my daily walk. Life holds joy when I move in accordance with His word and will in me, showing honor to myself and others thereby. I am who I really am as I rest easy in who He is in me. I live trusting the “us” that He is forming. His unique perspective in and through me is what makes me who I am.
I ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for Christians, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him — endless energy, boundless strength! Ephesians 1:17-19 The Message
Different Paths
When I find myself saying what I should or shouldn’t do it usually has more to do with other people’s values or beliefs than it does with my own. I’m hearing the voice of those around me or society at large. It is actually quite arrogant to presume to know what another person should do or how they should do it. I am not that person and they are not me. Succumbing to the pressure of doing what “should” be done contaminates peace and joy. Unrest reveals the inappropriateness of the step – presenting the opportunity to return to trust in the sovereignty and individuality of Christ in me.
People in the same environment often take steps contrary to those of another; and the differing actions will render the same outcomes in each. A common goal will be reached having arrived from opposite directions. As one goes left and another goes right, they arrive at the same place at the same time. One navigates an arduous uphill climb while the other travels through dank and darkened valleys. Either way, it is the correct path for each. The destination, after all, is not a location; the destination is the emergence of character. How can we possibly think we know what will effect change in another - or even presume to know what change is needed?
Work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ.) [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good satisfaction, and delight. Philippians 2:12-13 (AMP)
For Love or Money?
Living from the head instead of the heart will blind me to who I am and what I want to do in life. There are dozens of roles to play, duties to perform, or jobs to work to earn money; and the mind will easily justify forsaking what I want in lieu of the money I could make at jobs I dislike.
Discontent and unrest are born if the desires of the heart are sacrificed for money. What good is money without joy? What good is money if the “real me” isn’t present to use it? Taking a job that frustrates my being will generate grief and conflict. If my vocation is not in harmony with who I am then I’ll spend money to feel better about myself through the things I can buy.
Greed will emerge as repeated attempts to be satisfied by possessions fail. I’ll keep trying on “new things” to eleviate my misery. My ability to spend money in accordance with my true nature will be compromised by the unrelenting dissatisfaction I feel having abandoned my heart for the sake of income.
At this juncture, I don’t know what else to do but trust God to lead me through this maze. The head screams, the heart aches, the spirit leaps, and the flesh shakes…but through it all God remains active in me…faithfully finishing the good work He began.