The Sword & Shield: A 5-Day DevotionalSample

By our human sinful nature, whether we realize it or not, intentional or not, we build barriers. Sometimes hurts have been so bad that people build walls around themselves to keep everyone out. Other times, barriers are built to keep certain people at a distance who we feel have proven to be untrustworthy. When we feel threatened on any level, we can create emotional, mental, and spiritual roadblocks. We decide to “close roads” to keep someone from getting near us.

As Christ followers, we are to work to remove barriers and keep roads open. The better and more effective work is to install boundaries of protection when and where necessary to guard our relationship with God and others. But what’s the difference in these two dynamics?

A barrier is anything keeping progress from being made and shrinking our influence. A good offense makes progress by removing barriers, which is exactly why there is a front line between the defense and the quarterback.

A boundary is a line you draw to protect what is inside from what is outside. This is not about restriction and limitation, but freedom and establishing a good defense.

Barriers are all about us. Boundaries are all about our relationship with God and others. Barriers are unhealthy and boundaries support health.

This world has always had dividing lines. Some are created by geography and natural means, while others are invisible and unwritten. We separate from each other by economics, race, politics, religion, education, and language, to name a few. We focus more on what divides us than unites us. We are taught at an early age how to disconnect from one another into neat and tidy categories. 

The Pharisees and teachers of the Law had an issue with Jesus from the moment He stepped foot inside their territory. Why? Because He crossed their boundaries and blew past their borders. He would interact with anyone—Jewish or Gentile, male or female, good or bad, rich or poor, religious or heathen.

When we follow Jesus, we commit to walk where He leads, not tiptoe the tightrope lines drawn by the culture. Representing Christ today, we work to add, not subtract; multiply, not divide, so we can bring His message of hope and grace to everyone, anyone ready to hear.

What is one boundary you need to build and one barrier you need to destroy?