A lady, beckoned by a sales agent, walked into a shop she never planned to enter. By the time she walked out, she had spent almost $10,000 on equipment the salesperson promised would erase scars and markings on her body. As she drove home, she felt uneasy. The sales rep had played on her sensitivities and insecurities. When she tried to return the equipment the next day, she was denied a refund or exchange.
We have often heard of elderly citizens being scammed out of their life savings, but young people are not exempt from such attacks. The humiliation is often what drives victims into depression. It’s not just the financial loss — it’s the realization that they were deceived.
In this series, I want to talk about boundaries. Boundaries are established lines meant to provide privacy, safety, and order in any relationship. Sometimes boundaries are unclear or unspoken, but they still exist — and they must be respected.
The truth is, it can be difficult to know where boundaries are. Lines get blurry or shift with time. But God promises wisdom for such situations:
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
— James 1:5 (NLT)
Wisdom is available for the asking. You don’t have to know everything, but you do need the courage to seek direction and stand for what is right when you see it.
Changing Boundaries in a Changing World
As times change, boundaries shift too. The way children were punished in the past cannot be repeated today. Parenting now requires strategy, intentionality, and clearly defined limits. Even communication has changed. Words carry weight, and we must be more sensitive in what we say and how we say it.
The people who go the farthest are those who stay mindful of the times and the spaces God has placed them in. What was acceptable yesterday may not be acceptable today.
Eve and the First Boundary
Consider Eve, the first woman in the earth. In her naivety, she did not realize the serpent was crossing a boundary by entering her space — physically and mentally. The enemy had no business questioning her knowledge, her rights, her authority, or God’s promises to her.
God’s plan for Eve was none of his business. The enemy will always make a move to step into our space which is out of bounds to him.
He may present himself in various ways. He doesn’t necessarily have to come as a snake or as a human dressed in a suit and tie.
But Eve didn’t even know she had an enemy. Living in a perfect garden, surrounded by peace, she was unprepared for deception. The serpent spoke smoothly and persuasively. His presentation sounded good and looked good. And so, she was deceived.
Eve lost her power because she did not recognize her boundaries. She was conned — much like the young woman who spent $10,000 on false promises.
Reflection
Have you established boundaries in your own life?
- Where are you most vulnerable?
- What weaknesses could someone exploit?
- What safeguards can you put in place to prevent being played?
Boundaries are not just about keeping others out; they are about protecting the treasure God has placed within you.
(To be continued in Part 2: Recognizing and Guarding Boundaries)