Revolutionary Leaders

Boundaries

"...eagerness for lustful pleasure." 2 Corinthians 12:21

"lustful pleasures" are things that lead us away from purity and into sin. They can be places, people, relationships, things we watch or listen to, and of course, foreplay.

So how Far Is Too Far? That seems like a legit question. That question has been asked since my parents were teenagers! To answer that question I offer you an illustration that my Youth Pastor shared with me.

Once upon a time there was this old rich guy that lived way up on top of this huge moutain overlooking the lake. His life long friend and limo driver unexpectantly died of a heart attack, so he needed a new driver. He placed an add in the newspaper the next day and had hundred of responses. Everyone wanted to work for the old rich guy.

After reviewing all the resumes, he narrowed it down to three of the most qualified and experienced people. He then had them come to his home on top of the mountain for the final interview and driver's test. The test was simple. Drive the old man in the limo down the treacherous mountain and back up again. The best driver would then get the job.

The first driver was a young man who inspired to be a race car driver. After helping the old man into the limo, he floored and began his race...I mean test. His thought was "the quicker I get him where he wants to go, the better." He flew down the mountain and back up, coming dangerously close to edge. At one point the rear passenger side tire was actually suspended over the side of the mountain. The young driver made record breaking time and cheered wildly as he jumped out of the car.

After the old man had changed his pants (come on, he just had the crap scared out of him), it was time for the second driver to take his test. Although the second driver had the best resume on paper, there was something that seemed a bit off to the old man. Maybe it was the tattoos and nose ring, or maybe it was his unique orange jump suit. Anyway, the driver actually drove sensibly and cautiously. In fact he drove with one eye on the road in front of him and the other watching the road behind him with the rear view mirrow. The driver's oddities became painfully apparent at the bottom of the mountain when he robbed the old man and drove off with his limo.

After a nice taxi ride back home (and other pants changing), it was time for the third and final drive to take his test. The third driver was a bit older and had plenty of experience under his belt. The way down was rather easy and casual. However, on the trip back up the mountain he was respectfully afraid of the road's edge because it didn't have any guardrails. So he drove very cautiously, hugging the wall of the mountain and staying far away from the dangerous cliff.

Which driver do you think the rich old man would choose? Would he choose the one that tested the limits of the car and road by coming dangerously close to killing them both? How about the one that chose to take what didn't belong to him and run away? Of course he chose the one who cautiously balanced speed and safety.

The same should be considered when setting our boundaries in relationships. It's not about how close you can get without going over the line. "Can a man walk on hot coals and not be burned?" (Prov. 6:28) It's about staying pure and protecting the one you care about.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.

Set boundaries, guardrails, in your life and stick to them.
Let your friends know! Let you dates know!

Do you need help setting boundaries? Talk to your parents, your pastor, or a person of Godly influence in your life. Asking for help shows how much you truly care.