September 17
Scripture focus: Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don't have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn't yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. You wouldn't think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you'd be asking for what you have no right to. You're spoiled children, each wanting your own way. You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that "he's a fiercely jealous lover." And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. It's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble." So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet. James 4:1-10 (The Message)
"When am I ever going to get this boundary stuff down?" My friend is frustrated. She thinks she is boundary-disabled. I asked her the kind of tough question you can only ask if people are real open and honest: "Would you be willing to consider the possibility that your problem has more to do with your cheating on God than your ability to apply healthy boundary principles?"
After she recovered from the question, she began to outline for me her reasons why she thought she suffered from a chronic inability to live within healthy boundaries. Here are a couple of the examples she's willing to share with all of us...
- She had an affair with her best friend's husband, divorced her own husband, married the guy who she had the affair with -- and he eventually left her for the babysitter.
- She finds herself in massive credit card debt because she spends more than she makes every single month and has no solid plan or commitment to either reducing or spending or increasing her income.
- She goes to church every week; she has a daily quiet time; she completely trusts God to rescue her from all her problems.
From her perspective, she believes that her spiritual program is the strongest part of her life. She believes that with appropriate boundaries, she wouldn't have had an affair, would have been a better wife so the guy wouldn't stray, and that she'd be more fiscally responsible.
More on another proposed perspective in tomorrow's devotional.
Recommended reading: Ezra 8-10
Click on the word comments below and join our conversation!
© Copyright 2009 NorthStar Community
1 comment:
I was on one side of this story and can say that she seems to be unable to understand that if he strayed from his wife to be with her, then no matter what she had done he would have strayed from her also. I do not understand her fiscal irresponsible angle unless she blames her recent ex for her overshopping habit, which was probably lying dormat for an appropriate time to be let loose. If she had shown self-control in the beginning with appropriate boundaries (I'm a married woman)then she would have been able to resist having the affair. With that said, I do not think her church going, quiet time having, trust in God to rescue her from all her problems would have worked for her becaue He gave her what she needed when He gave her the fruit of self-control. But, this is just my opinion.
Post a Comment