Boundaries that don’t do their job

Col 2:20-23 Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: 21 "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? 22 These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. NIV As a parent, you sometimes know when something bad is about to happen. Something is about to happen when the kids in the car become quiet for no apparent reason. When you hear your kids start daring each other with words like “You won’t, you won’t,” something bad is about to happen. It is good to have boundaries, but rules don’t always keep us from sin. Rules can, at times, draw us toward sin. A sign that says “Don’t look” can be an invitation to look. A sign that says "Don’t touch” can act as an invitation to touch. How many times have you been guilty of ignoring signs? When it comes to our Christian walk and pursuit of The Holy, we need to spend more time working on the things to be and less time coming up with the rules other people should be following. Christ is seldom seen in our rules, but He is easy to see in the life that has been transformed from the inside out. In Him J. Tom Washburn

Stay in Your Lane.

There is a sign on Texas Highways that says, “Left Lane for Passing Only.” This sign helps with traffic flow and, if followed, can alleviate a lot of frustration. The most frustrating driver is the driver that drives in both lanes. Everyone is annoyed and endangered when one car or truck decides to control both lanes. When it comes to working together and working with others, sometimes the best advice is to just stay in your own lane. How often have you been irritated by somebody sticking their nose into your lane? How often have you discouraged somebody by sticking your nose in their lane? It is always appropriate to encourage or even to give constructive help (that means you are willing to do more than just criticize). We all want to reach our goal without having a huge pileup. We all want the very best. It is worth slowing down on the highway and arriving five minutes later if that means everyone can reach the destination. It is worth slowing down in The Body if it means everyone can make the journey with you. 1 Cor 12:24-27 But God has combined the members of the body … so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. … Now, you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. NIV --- When changes come, don’t drive in the middle of the road. Do what you can to ensure that everyone can make the journey that glorifies God. In Him J. Tom Washburn

Passwords

I don’t know about you, but I have several passwords in my life. I have a password to get into my phone, my computer, my Netflix account, my Amazon account, my bank account, and so on. Those passwords give me access to all the available services in each environment. Inside our families, we also have passwords that must be used often. Passwords like: I love you; I forgive you; I believe in you; I have missed you; I trust you; thank you; and can we pray together. These passwords, and many more, open the door of the heart. We tend to guard our heart with great care because it has been hurt so many times. Why don’t you try opening the hearts of your family and try opening your heart to your family and see if there aren’t great blessings that come from being “real” with those who have your best interest at heart? In Him J. Tom Washburn