Self-control is hard to regain when you let your guard down. It is so important for us to set up boundaries to help keep us focused and disciplined as a Christian. Boundaries are for our protection. Some practical examples of boundaries may be not watching X-rated materials in order to keep a pure thought life, or single Christians choosing to avoid being alone with the opposite sex to discourage immoral behavior. Whatever the case may be, boundaries help to keep us on track as we aim to live a holy life.
When we choose to live outside our bounds, we are like a city without walls — anything goes. Self-control must be maintained to see the fruit of our labor. Whenever we move past the boundaries we set, it is much harder to regain control. Paul says it best in 1 Corinthians 9:27 (ERV), ”It is my own body I fight to make it do what I want. I do this so that I won’t miss getting the prize myself after telling others about it.’
I beseech you my dear brothers and sisters, stay on track. Make it a point to be protected by good boundaries in order to see the growth you desire as a Christian. Finish the course that you have been destined to complete. Surround yourself with a great support network, and fight the good fight of faith in the power and might, which has already been provided by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Victory belongs to you.
Lord, so often I let my guard down, thinking that I have time to get it all together, not understanding that I am giving the enemy a foothold in my life. Help me to move past discouragement and fear into my place of breakthrough and peace. Teach me to tap into your strength in my times of weakness. Help me not to rely on my own devices but to trust totally in your power to help me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Photo Credit: Gilly Stewart