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Answer
Every individual establishes emotional and mental boundaries for self-protection, and mental health professionals concur that boundaries are essential. Spiritual boundaries are equally advantageous for our spiritual well-being. It is important to have clear boundaries that regulate our beliefs and how we implement them.
The absence of spiritual boundaries can result in theological confusion and the misconduct that accompanies it. The Bible warns us that those who are spiritually immature are easily influenced by false teachings and deceitful tactics, “so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes” (Ephesians 4:14). How can we avoid falling prey to the deceitful tactics of false teachers? By studying the Word diligently, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), obeying the Word, “Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end” (Psalm 119:33), and establishing spiritual boundaries.
Below are some recommendations for establishing spiritual boundaries:
Establish spiritual guidelines regarding doctrine. It is crucial for our spiritual well-being not to entertain false teachings. To maintain proper spiritual boundaries, we must be grounded in the truth—studying the Word of God and committing to follow it. “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that a
re in Christ Jesus” «Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. », (2 Timothy 1:13). We must also screen out the lies: “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly” «But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. », (1 Timothy 4:7). The church of Ephesus did a good job at setting spiritual boundaries concerning doctrine: “You have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false” «who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. », (Revelation 1:2). The churches of Pergamum «But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. », (Revelation 2:14) and Thyatira «Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. », (Revelation 2:20) were not so good at doctrinal discernment.
Set spiritual guidelines concerning companions. Our choice of friends is important in our spiritual walk «Can two walk together, except they be agreed? », (Amos 3:3). The Bible provides guidance about the importance of selecting the right companions.The type of person we should seek as a friend is crucial. Our close friends should demonstrate godly wisdom: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” «He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: But a companion of fools shall be destroyed.», (Proverbs 13:20). Our close friends should also be self-controlled: “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered” «Make no friendship with an angry man; And with a furious man thou shalt not go:», (Proverbs 22:24). Additionally, our close friends should be willing to tell us the truth, even when it hurts: “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses” «Faithful are the wounds of a friend; But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.», (Proverbs 27:6). This is not about being holier-than-thou; it’s about being wise in selecting close associates, understanding that “iron sharpens iron” «Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.», (Proverbs 27:17).
Set spiritual guidelines regarding morality. Our actions concerning our bodies impact our spiritual well-being (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Therefore, we are advised to “run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts” «Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.», (2 Timothy 2:22, NLT) and “do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh” «But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make…».Not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.” (Romans 13:14). Samson failed to establish spiritual boundaries in this aspect, resulting in the loss of his hair, eyes, and freedom (Judges 16).
Set spiritual guidelines regarding idolatry. An idol is anything that displaces God in our hearts or hinders us from giving God His rightful glory, and the world is abundant with idols. We must consciously choose to reject anything that could harm our relationship with Christ. We should echo the sentiment of the psalmist, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you” (Psalm 73:25). God assures rewards for those who establish spiritual boundaries to keep idols at bay: “Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17).
Establishing spiritual boundaries involves discernment: “I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it” (Psalm 101:3). It requires the foresight to anticipate where a certain path will lead and make the appropriate choice: “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way” (Proverbs 4:14-15).
(Proverbs 4:14-15; cf. Proverbs 22:3). It requires commitment: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. . . . But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” «And if it seems evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. », (Joshua 24:15).
Physical boundaries are important—putting a fence around a high-voltage area is a good idea. But spiritual boundaries are much more important. The health of our souls is at stake. Being protected from spiritual danger is every bit as important as staying physically safe.
