From; Brenda Walsh Ministries
No Trespassing

Boundaries are never meant to be broken because they are there to protect and keep you safe and they also prevent you from harming others. When you see a “Do Not Enter” sign, it’s a clear message that there is danger ahead. A “No Smoking” sign posted near oxygen could result in an explosion if disregarded. Even speed limits on the road are boundaries intentionally set to prevent accidents. Setting boundaries around your personal life is similar to having property lines around your home. You need to know who you are, what you stand for, and where to draw the line so that others don’t invade your space. When you fail to post your “No Trespassing” sign, people will walk all over you. It’s difficult to minister to others if you are exhausted, stressed, or burned out. All too often, caregivers, parents, church leaders, and even pastors experience burnout from working tirelessly to help others, at the expense of their own health. There will always be someone who is more interested in their own needs than in your well-being. Allowing people to step over your boundaries and disrespect your wishes is saying yes to them while saying no to yourself. It also encourages them to keep breaking your boundaries because they don’t believe you mean what you say. Pay attention when people react with anger and hostility to your boundaries. For it is then that you have found the edge where their respect for you ends. Although God gave His children the “gift of choice,” He still expects you to set boundaries and healthy limits with acquaintances, friends, coworkers and yes, even your family. The Bible has many examples of when God set very clear boundaries. One example can be found in Numbers 34:2: “Command the Israelites and say to them, ‘When you enter Canaan, the land that will be allotted to you as an inheritance is to have these boundaries . . .’ ” And in Proverbs 25:17, there’s some very clear advice about the importance of setting boundaries: “Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, lest he have his fill of you and hate you.” Pray for courage and strength to put up your “No Trespassing” sign, setting boundaries that will keep you and others safe, emotionally, physically, and most importantly, spiritually . . . guarding and protecting your relationship with God. Text: Galatians 6:2-8, Matthew 5:37, Proverbs 19:19, Romans 8:5-6