Establish boundaries and stick to them

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “A fresh start in a new year”

Our Bible verse for today: “There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “Establish boundaries and stick to them”

Yesterday we considered Solomon’s lesson from Ecclesiastes 3:1 primarily with respect to setting priorities. We learned that some things in life are more important than others and therefore they deserve priority in terms of when they get our attention, how much of our attention they get, and what things will be allowed to sometimes displace them on our priority list.

When applied to New Years resolutions, goals, and plans, we realize that some matter more than others. My goals for spiritual maturity are more important than my financial goals for the year. My plan to guard my health by maintaining good nutrition and getting daily exercise is more important than my two big home improvement projects I have planned for the year.

Yesterday we also considered how it is that the “tyranny of the urgent” can intrude on our priorities. The thing that seems urgent but which isn’t really an emergency, can get in the way of the thing that is truly important if we allow it to. So, we must have boundaries to protect the things that are truly important. For instance, Monday is my one day off each week. It is protected time. It’s an important part of my resolution to take proper care of myself (which includes rest and relaxation). If you call me on Monday regarding a church matter, I won’t take your call. Maybe if it’s an emergency, like Jesus is coming back but you’re not sure He’s coming for you, or your hair is on fire and you can’t find a fire extinguisher, I’ll talk to you. Otherwise, your call will go to voicemail and I’ll call you back on Tuesday. This is a firm boundary based on an important priority.

Unfortunately, we are sometimes bad at establishing boundaries and then sticking to them. We are much more likely to give-in to the tyranny of the urgent, allowing the phone call from a telemarketer to interfere with the conversation we were having with our spouse. Or, we keep making excuses for missing our time with God each morning, or for skipping church Sunday after Sunday, or for not going to the gym again today. There are reasons we make those choices but are they good reasons? I think you see what I mean. If we allow it to happen, all sorts of events and people will intrude on our priorities and get us off track.

Years ago, there was a great book written by Henry Cloud and John Townsend regarding establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries in all areas of life. It was “Boundaries: When to say “yes” and when to say “no” to take control of your life.” It’s an excellent book. Very helpful. It is still in print and I recommend it to you.

If we are going to achieve our most important goals, we will need to have firm boundaries established and we will have to stick to them.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you are reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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