From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
Matthew 16:21-3
My girls and I sat down for dinner. I had stopped at Sliders and Fries...a new joint that opened 7 weeks ago. The grand opening flags were still hanging outside. I was waiting for my middle daughter to finish her tumbling, so I went around the corner to buy some dinner. This new place made all their burgers fresh with toppings like avocados, red peppers, bacon, salsa....we got a great deal.
Over dinner we were talking about being “healthy” and eating “healthy” and being happy with themselves. We all agreed that having balance is very important. That self care, exercising a few times a week, eating less junk food is important in staying healthy. We can know who we are in Christ, but then if we’re thirty pounds over weight, our health and confidence suffer.
I wanted to hear from my girls that they knew that even though they knew that they get their identity from knowing they are God’s children and God specifically has a purpose for them, I also wanted to know that they knew that being balanced in eating, exercise, and spending time nurturing their mind, working hard, and being committed in their goals was also important too.
In service work, it’s easy to give, give, give for many of us. But Jesus knew when He needed to be alone and pray. He knew what his soul needed....time with His father (Mark 1:35). He often said no to the requests of the crowds. He had his boundaries. If Jesus had boundaries, so should we. In today’s world we need boundaries saying no to all the junk food, saying no to unhealthy friendships, saying no to things that pull us away from God. Saying no to uncontrolled anger and things that zap our time. No to extra work hours that drain us and kill a marriage. I think when we can say, “no” to these things, we are actually saying, “Yes” to God! And if we say, “Yes,” to God...we can start making a difference.
Things to Think About:
“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
Luke 23:39
Where do you need better boundaries like Jesus to stick to your guns and say, “no!”
This week....try it:)
May I pray? Jesus, you showed us how to live. You showed us with boundaries that there will be times when we have to say, “no.” Thank goodness you said, “no,” and died for our salvation. Give each one of us courage to set boundaries so that we can accomplish the things you’d have us accomplish. Thank you God for your strength! In Jesus name, Amen.
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