I have been thinking about our church and how we can spur people into action when it comes to living out our Christian faith in a real and relevant way. I believe that if a person truly is able to exercise self-control on a regular basis that it will speak volumes to our world. The Bible tells us that “a person without self-control is like a city with broken down walls” (Pr 25:3). Understand this: you cannot take control of your own life while you are overwhelmed, feeling responsible for other people’s lives. Set up boundaries, and live the life that God gave you to live! Permeable boundaries are when you allow somebody else to permeate your life at will, siphon off your time and energy; dictate your options, and deprive yourself of other important relationships. Unable to say no, you permit others to make you feel guilty, obligated and uncaring, or even “unchristen.” If you withhold what is demanded, you will inconvenience yourself, your families, and your friendships to facilitate the endless demands of seemingly helpless, disempowered, irresponsible users, believing that you are being kind and helpful. That is when our “helper toll” is immense, often leading to emotional, and physical, social and spiritual overload, while the “helpless” feels increasingly dependent, irresponsible and entitled, not appreciating and sometimes even resenting us. Well-adjusted people find the right balance between protecting their personal space, and allowing others to infiltrate their personal space.

Well-adjusted people find the right balance between protecting their personal space, and allowing others to infiltrate their personal space.

Finally, healthy people understand when to say yes and when to say no. God’s love is sent to us for holistic health. So check your boundaries today. We often talk about letting the reality of life connect with the relational God. As you pass through this web site, stop and reflect on upgrading your self-control process.

We are blessed!
Pastor Pete