Effective leadership requires that we have the ability to set boundaries. Yes, we are called to a life of love, mercy, and generosity — but sometimes the best love we can offer is a firm and resounding "NO." After all, didn’t Jesus set boundaries?

Have you found yourself feeling stressed, annoyed, tired, or even burned-out by "obligations" that you took on against your better judgment?

Have you allowed others to pull you in directions that you did not feel led to go in?

Has your inability to set boundaries given some an opportunity to "cross the line" or take advantage of you?

Many of us mishandle our time, deplete our energy, and surrender our peace because we try to be all things to all people. It’s as if we forget that the Word of God dually instructs us to love ourselves, as well as other people. In fact, we are instructed eight times: "love your neighbor as you love yourself" (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 19:19; Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27; Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8). Scripture suggests that the way in which we love others is contingent on how well we love ourselves. As hard as it may be to accept, loving ourselves includes setting boundaries. It requires that we find the courage to say "NO"to requests and stresses that we were never called to bear – and "YES" only to the things that God has mapped out for us.

We must remind ourselves that Jesus, Himself, understood the importance of setting limits. He did not allow others to define His purpose, dictate His agenda, or subject Him to situations that ran contrary to God’s plans. When Jesus' mother and brothers attempted to divert Him away from His ministry, He resisted them (Matthew 12:46-50) – Jesus knew His purpose. When the crowd tried to throw Him off the cliff because He claimed to be the Messiah, He escaped them (Luke 4:28-30) – Jesus knew how to walk away. When Peter told Him that He would not have to suffer, He rebuked him (Matthew 16:21-22) – Jesus knew God’s plan.

Like Jesus, we must know our purpose, know God’s plan, and know when to walk away. So, when we feel tired, depleted, misused, or burned-out, we are wise to ask, "Am I setting boundaries?" "Am I effectively using the word ‘NO’?" For a great writer once wrote,

"Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying ‘yes’ too quickly, and not saying ‘no’ soon enough."

Our Cry:
Lord, thank You for being the perfect example for all things. I ask that You give me the courage to say "YES" to the things that You have purposed for my life, and "NO" to everything else. Help me set boundaries that preserve my health and peace. Make Your plans clear so that I know when to walk away. From this day forward, I will learn when to say "NO" – letting your plans define my purpose, dictate my agenda, and govern where I establish boundaries.

For I am Your handmaiden. I am Your servant.

Recommended Reading:
Matthew 12:46-50
Luke 4:28-30
Matthew 16:21-2

Marsha DuCille Publisher/Editorial Director This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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