home > Pastor’s Desk > 2023 > 25th August > Freedom within Boundaries

A suburban home in Australia is shrinking in land size even though the average house size is headed in the opposite direction. What hasn’t changed is fencing around the block of land in order to separate it from a neighbour’s property. Broken fences, overgrown hedges and pets jumping fences are a known source of conflicts. We value our privacy. Those fences are boundaries. To go over them without permission will be trespassing. Renting, owning or owned outright – our home is our safe haven. When we chat with neighbours across the fence, there is a sense of security that comes with standing on our own patch of land. A little piece of Australia over which we have custody, albeit temporal.

The home also has compartments. The garage, bedrooms, living areas, bathrooms and toilets all have boundaries with an access door. Some rooms have locks that demand a knock before one opens it. You say this is not rocket science, I know. A house protects us from the physical elements of the environment. It serves as a sanctuary to relax, rest and reconnect with the most important relationships in life. It can be argued that rest, relaxation and reconnecting is, sadly, not everyone’s experience of a home. However, most people will agree that a home should be a safe sanctuary where occupants are free. Free to be who they are, again, within agreed boundaries. And thankfully, the majority of suburban homes continue to remain a safe sanctuary that allows members of the household to grow and flourish as they learn to serve one another.

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather serve one another humbly in love.
Galatians 5:13 NIV

By nature, boundaries are restrictive yet freeing. It provides security for the individual, family and community. Lack of boundaries may initially present as freedom. However, when boundaries are not set in place and observed early enough the consequences could be dire. Lack of boundaries can lead to chaos, insecurity and suffering. In the story of the lost son in Luke 15:11- 32, the younger son was eager to break free of his father’s oversight. He demanded his share of the inheritance and departed to live it up in a far away land. His boundary-less indulgence resulted in him desiring the same food the pigs he was hired to feed, ate.

So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
Luke 15:15-16 NIV

Think of living without appropriate boundaries. When the reality of a world that is not centred around us, strikes, the blame game begins. Lack of personal responsibility results in brushes with the law. Unfortunately, the common way the law enforcement authority applies boundaries is by restriction of freedom in the form of penalties or jail time. Succumbing to every wish or instinct we may have without consideration of the consequences on ourselves, and others is a recipe for all kinds of pain.

“Boundaries are to protect life, not to limit pleasure” – Edwin Louise Cole

In the case of the younger son in Luke 15, he came to his sense and was humble enough to realise he needed to return home, offering to be treated not as a son but a hired hand – an indication of how appreciative he was of the privileges the boundaries his father’s household provided.

When he came to his senses, he said, “How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants”.
Luke 15:17-18 NIV

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1 NIV

When boundaries are appropriate, we grow, flourish and engage in respectful relationships. This brings pleasure to God our father, for in choosing to serve others, we serve Him. When we ignore boundaries in pursuit of our self-desires and passions, we hurt not only ourselves and others, but also God who made us in his image.

Take some time today to reflect on areas of your life where freedom has caused you to indulge the flesh. Perhaps it’s time to put up some fencing…

Amen.

Elder,

Ali

Let me know what you think below in the comment section and feel free to share this someone who might benefit from this Pastor’s Desk.

23 Comments

  1. Emeka Walter OHAHURU
    Emeka Walter OHAHURU on 2023-08-25 at 8:44 PM

    So true, God’s boundaries set us free and are for my good.

    Thanks, Elder Ali

    Reply
    • Ali
      Ali on 2023-08-25 at 10:44 PM

      So true though it doesn’t always seem so to us. Thank you Emeka

      Reply
    • Kefas Makadi Samu
      Kefas Makadi Samu on 2023-08-26 at 12:34 AM

      Very true and timely,too much freedom leads to ultimate chain on things destructive, cigar, alcohol,women,clashes with the law and jail.
      May we have healthy boundaries that pleases God and make for a fulfilled life.

      Reply
    • Ruth Akwara M
      Ruth Akwara M on 2023-09-14 at 6:31 AM

      ‘ freedom within boundaries ‘…. is a nice piece, setting should be done at early stage of life, and is considered obedience to authority and to God

      Reply
  2. Danlami Rukujei
    Danlami Rukujei on 2023-08-25 at 8:47 PM

    Apt. Great teaching

    Reply
    • Ali
      Ali on 2023-08-25 at 10:38 PM

      Thank you, honourable.

      Reply
      • Kenneth Akwara
        Kenneth Akwara on 2023-08-26 at 12:18 AM

        I receive the grace to stay within the boundaries that keeps me & still enjoy my freedom in Christ.

        Reply
  3. Japhet Nehemiah Maiyanga
    Japhet Nehemiah Maiyanga on 2023-08-25 at 8:55 PM

    This is absolutely right, we can go overboard without boundaries, the whole Law and the commandments of God is aim at prpreserving us as God’s heritage. Am lifted and reminded. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Ali
      Ali on 2023-08-25 at 10:39 PM

      Thank you, Dr Maiyanga

      Reply
  4. Abdulrahman Rufai
    Abdulrahman Rufai on 2023-08-25 at 8:58 PM

    Composition was great sir! I love it especially the part; “Boundaries are to protect life, not to limit pleasure” – Edwin Louise Cole
    That’s inarguably true because without boundaries, one’s bound to temptations and as the famous writer wrote from his book(Maximized manhood); “Temptation can be tormenting, but remember: The torment of temptation to sin is nothing to compare with the torment of the consequences of sin. Remorse and regret cannot compensate for sin….though sins can be forgiven immediately – the consequences can last a lifetime”
    May God protect us all from indulging in things that will eventually lead us to temptation. Amen

    Reply
    • Ali
      Ali on 2023-08-25 at 10:40 PM

      My nephew, na gode. So true

      Reply
  5. Bitrus B Cobongs
    Bitrus B Cobongs on 2023-08-25 at 10:40 PM

    Amen, brother. I am blessed by your ministry, and I thank God for technology that allows me to benefit from afar. This message is on point for us all.

    Reply
    • Ali
      Ali on 2023-08-25 at 10:42 PM

      Encouraging from a seasoned minister and veteran. Thank you, my brother

      Reply
    • Elkanah Kabilis
      Elkanah Kabilis on 2023-08-26 at 12:10 PM

      The words “God’s boundaries don’t fence you in-They set you FREE” are so true and timeless.

      Using the home to illustrate this truth is very apt and will serve as a constant reminder.

      Thank you, Elder Ali, for sharing.

      Reply
  6. Francis Achi
    Francis Achi on 2023-08-25 at 11:49 PM

    Beautiful piece with deep message.

    Reply
    • Ali
      Ali on 2023-08-26 at 7:47 AM

      From a seasoned journalist, well appreciated

      Reply
  7. Yakubu Buba Kwasshak
    Yakubu Buba Kwasshak on 2023-08-26 at 12:15 AM

    While we are focussing on fear, worry, or hate. It is not possible for us to be experiencing happiness, enthusiasm or love, you are absolutely right

    Reply
  8. Chef Ajaero
    Chef Ajaero on 2023-08-26 at 2:59 AM

    On point. Temporal is the word…

    Reply
  9. Philemon Tanko Danladi
    Philemon Tanko Danladi on 2023-08-26 at 4:11 AM

    A very good fact about freedom here; You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather serve one another humbly in love.
    Galatians 5:13 NIV. It connotes service to humanity as the Best Work Of Life. Am so Blessed.

    Reply
  10. Gabriel Toma
    Gabriel Toma on 2023-08-26 at 8:18 AM

    Wow! Great word! Beautifully crafted! Very refreshing!
    Thank you for sharing, Sir!

    Reply
  11. C J Esomeju
    C J Esomeju on 2023-08-27 at 10:51 AM

    Boundaries are important to protect each other from psychological and physical threats but can also alienate people from each other, therefore, recognition of boundaries requires caution to avoid excessive separation that can result to hermits.

    Reply
  12. Amboge Samson
    Amboge Samson on 2023-08-28 at 8:14 AM

    I find the ideas shared in “FREEDOM within BOUNDARIES” really inspiring. It talks about important things like having freedom and knowing how to be responsible, finding room for personal growth, treating others well, admitting our mistakes and trying to make things right, serving others as if we’re serving God, letting what God wants to guide us more than what we want, finding the right balance between enjoying ourselves and staying safe, and helping us realise where we need to be more in control of ourselves. May God give us more grace to apply them in our daily life.

    Reply
  13. Danladi Umar
    Danladi Umar on 2023-08-31 at 7:46 PM

    Thank you Elder (Mr Prof. my Doc.) I never understood the meaning of boundaries in relation to life as it is applied here in all ramifications of reality. It has broadened my understanding as applied to activities of daily living. Thanks may God in his infinite mercy continue to grease you for greater highs. Thank you very much for this topic on BOUNDARIES. Remain blessed. Regards to family

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

KNOWING GOD THROUGH PSALM 23

by | 2024-04-26 | Pastor's Desk | 0 Comments

My cat, Lola, had a beautiful, fluffy, soft coat. I had her for 13 years so I knew her very well. She loved a cuddle and snuggling at night sleeping in the crook of my arm. She loved me but with others she could be a rascal, hissing or swiping her claws. She never scoffed her food but was a grazer. It was common to hear her crunching her biscuits for a midnight snack and she loved ice cream. She loved hiding in cardboard boxes or in the pantry. She particularly hated the car evidenced by her continual mournful meowing til she got out. As I knew her, she also knew me. She knew I would feed her and give her pats or cuddles. When I called her she knew my soft voice, my touch, my smell. She knew my growly voice when she had done the wrong thing. When I’d take her to the vet she would be still in my arms as the vet examined her and vaccinated her. If she was injured or sick I would look after her.

Read

KNOWING GOD THROUGH PSALM 22

by | 2024-04-19 | Pastor's Desk | 1 Comment

The Bible is an amazing book. As we look through the book of Psalms we can so unbelievably clearly see God at work. And also most poignantly, this Psalm – Psalm 22 – prophetically points to, and closely mirrors Jesus and the events of the cross mentioned in the New Testament. This Psalm is well over 1000 years prior to Jesus.There are some well known passages of Scripture that stand out as being prophetic promises of the Messiah. These prophetic words show us that God is Omniscient; He knows everything. The first Messianic prophecy shows that the seed of the woman would eventually defeat the devil.

Read

THIS IS HOW AN EXPERT SUCCESSFULLY FOUGHT SPIRITUAL WARS

by | 2024-04-12 | Pastor's Desk | 0 Comments

home > Pastor's Desk > 2024 > April 12th > THIS IS HOW AN EXPERT SUCCESSFULLY FOUGHT SPIRITUAL WARSThe distance between the spiritual dimension and our earthly-material dimension is a lot thinner than most people realise! This means that there is a direct...
Read

KNOWING GOD THROUGH THE PSALMS

by | 2024-04-05 | Pastor's Desk | 1 Comment

So many thriller movies are just funny. Of course they are not meant to be and many people would find them more like nightmare material. The producers would be horrified to see me giggling at some of their ‘scary’ bits, but it’s just the way I’m wired. I see more of the special effects than the story line and I see the absurdity of the scenes that lack the necessary rules of consistency instead of the fear factor they hope. I once watched a movie where the victim lay dead bleeding from the mouth but the make-up blood had not dripped to the ground with gravity, but rather, accidentally dripped up. The whole movie just became hilarious from that point on.

Read

THE NOTHING OF EASTER SATURDAY

by | 2024-03-30 | Pastor's Desk | 0 Comments

home > Pastor's Desk > 2024 > 30th March > THE NOTHING OF EASTER SATURDAY‘Nothing’ is often something. How many times has God been accused of “doing nothing”? Even Christ’s disciples seemed to accuse Jesus of this when He was asleep in the boat in the...
Read

HE WAS A KIND AND CHARITABLE MAN

by | 2024-03-22 | Pastor's Desk | 1 Comment

home > Pastor's Desk > 2024 > March 22ndr > He was a kind and charitable man.WHO WAS KENNETH TYNAN? You’ve probably never heard of Kenneth Tynan. I hadn’t. I was introduced to him while conducting some research for my current PhD program on C.S. Lewis. In...
Read

FROM LITTLE THINGS

by | 2024-03-15 | Pastor's Desk | 5 Comments

The first time I heard the song “From Little Things, Big Things Grow” was in early 2008. I was trying to get my head around superannuation funds. I never knew of its writers – Paul Kelly and Carmody. Neither did I know it was originally a protest song. In my opinion, the original lyrics and melody bears no semblance to what we may consider protest today. Many will agree with me that it is now synonymous with Industry Super Funds. But its principles remain true in nearly every aspect of life.

Read

ADVICE WORTH MORE THAN GOLD OR A MOUNTAIN OF CASH ABOUT HOW TO USE REJECTION TO BECOME AN EVEN BETTER, WISER, STRONGER YOU!

by | 2024-03-08 | Pastor's Desk | 2 Comments

For several reasons I am qualified to help people deal with acute and chronic pain. Some acute and chronic pain can be resolved medically. Some pains can go a long way to being resolved with the help of a psychologist. Some pains can be resolved with a hug from mum. But there is a pain that a doctor cannot cure, a psychologist cannot counsel, a mother’s hug cannot alleviate. It is a pain that goes deep – beyond the defences of our integumentary system, our neurological system (including our para-sympathetic nervous system), our muscular system, our skeletal system, our lymphatic system, our renal system, gastro-intestinal system, our respiratory system, our cardio-vascular system, our hormonal system, and our half-share of a reproductive system. It is a pain that wounds: our memory, our sense of self, our estimation of our worth, our confidence, and our ability to connect meaningfully with others (our ability to love and be loved). It is the pain of rejection. It not only effects who we are (our identity) but it also leaches symptomatically into each of these ten-and-a-half biological systems which every human being possesses. I am going to offer all those who have experienced the pain of rejection how they can be healed from its wound, and actually become stronger, wiser, more confident, as a result.

Read

THE MYTHICAL PATHWAY TO HAPPINESS

by | 2024-03-01 | Pastor's Desk | 1 Comment

I’ve accidentally found myself enrolled in a Ph.D. program. I kind of blame Associate Professor Stuart Piggin for this. A few years ago I was having some serious discussions with him about doing a Ph.D. in Historical Theology at Macquarie University focusing on the contribution of Dr. F.W. Boreham. But I found myself unable at that time to proceed. In my discussions with him about my health prognosis and what I wanted to be able to do in the remaining time that I have left, he suggested focusing instead on Philosophical-Theology and enquiring with Monash University. I took his sage advice and did as he said. This week, I formally commenced with Monash as a part-time extension (distance) student. The result is that after my first zoom meeting with my supervisor I am now having to delve into an arena that requires me to be able to convince a critical secular audience that my proposal about the Bible’s truth claims are reasonable. Oddly, in order to do this, I have to explain in some depth what C.S. Lewis meant by the word, myth. And to do this I have to draw even deeper on the writings of a now dead French philosopher who is regarded as the greatest exponent of what a myth is! Therefore, I am going to tell you something quite shocking. It might be advisable for you to go and get a strong cup of tea, then return to this screen, and read on while sipping your tea, to absorb some of what I am going to tell you. 

Read

Follow Me AS I FOLLOW JESUS

by | 2024-02-23 | Pastor's Desk | 0 Comments

We all walk a path in life that is set before us. We start with very little experience and knowledge about the purpose of our life and the world beyond us. All of humanity experiences joy, wisdom, strength, weakness, suffering and hardship, especially those who are “contending for the faith”. Knowing Jesus is a very special part of this life journey.

Read