Boundries

Galatians 5:16 says, "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." (KJV).

As believers we must learn stay within the boundaries drawn by the Holy Spirit. To cross those lines is disobedience. It means moving away from a Spirit lead walk to a flesh driven life. All of us have been personally instructed by God not to cross certain "fenced off" areas in our lives. These areas may differ with other believers.

God establishes these boundaries for our protection. To live outside these boundaries can lead us into temptation and deadly traps. Remember the Scripture says, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8, NIV).

Crossing the line can happen so quickly: we lose our temper flares, a foolish word escapes our lips, our attitude sours etc. Suddenly the flesh rises up and that old man or woman begins to show itself. How quickly we shift from walking in the Spirit to acting out in the flesh.

The way to stay in the Spirit is through submission. The Devil will always feed on rebellion. If he can provoke our flesh to resist God when we are convicted in crossing those lines, our communion with the Lord will be strained or broken. James tells us we first submit to God then resist the Devil. If we try fighting the impulses of the flesh in our strength we will fail. We'll soon find ourselves on the other side of the fence in the Enemy's territory.

When we do fail, we confess with a sincere heart and use the opportunity for God to speak to those areas that need to come under His Lordship. Again, this requires His grace to submit to His correction.

Over time walking in the Spirit brings about lasting victories in those areas of greatest temptation. As we appreciate the boundaries set for us, He will strengthen those walled off places so there is no breech or hole for the Enemy to have access.

Beloved let me leave you with this promise.

Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
Psalms 16:56 (NIV)