A Fence of Space
Leviticus 19:1-2 NIV
The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be HOLY because I, the Lord your God, am HOLY.’”
Exodus 25:8 NLT
“Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them.”
The spaces of your life are holy (set apart) and are to be ordered by the One who dwells within you!
Jeremiah 30:17 NLT
“I will give you back your health and heal your wounds,” says the Lord.
“Are we going to allow God to restore health and healing to our spaces, or are we going to wall ourselves off in isolation?”
How do we establish a healthy Fence of Space?
Recognize I am my Gatekeeper.
Proverbs 4:23 ESV
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flows the springs of life.
Keeping is not closing; keeping is choosing. As your gatekeeper, you choose who and what you respond to.
A good gatekeeper
- Establishes personal space boundaries.
“Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.” – Brené Brown
A good gatekeeper
- Says no to inappropriate behavior.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
A good gatekeeper
- Is guided by the Holy Spirit.
Galations 5:22-23 NLT
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Matthew 22:36-39 NLT
“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
How do we establish a healthy Fence of Space?
Become a Watchman for others.
When loving others as ourselves, real HEALTHY love always respects the fences and boundaries of our neighbors.
Exodus 18:17-23 NLT
“This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him. Teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives. But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.” Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions.
John 11:45-46 NLT
Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.
