Realignment: Resetting Boundaries

Psalm 51:1–10 NIV84

1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. 7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

In a world full of distractions and temptations, it is crucial for us as Christians to realign our lives with God's Word and reset our boundaries according to His standards. Let us dive into the Scriptures to understand the importance of this realignment and how it can positively impact our walk with the Lord.

1. Realignment with God's Word

Sub-point 1.1: Renewe our Minds

Romans 12:2 “2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Sub-point 1.2: Meditate on Scripture

Joshua 1:8 “8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

Sub-point 1.3: Apply God's Word

James 1:22 “22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

2. Resetting Boundaries in Relationships

Sub-point 2.1: Guard our Hearts

Proverbs 4:23 “23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

Sub-point 2.2: Flee Temptation

1 Corinthians 10:13 “13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

Sub-point 2.3: Choose Godly Company

1 Corinthians 15:33 “33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.””

3. Realigning our Priorities

Sub-point 3.1: Seek God's Kingdom First

Matthew 6:33 “33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Sub-point 3.2: Invest in Eternal Treasures

Matthew 6:19–21 “19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Sub-point 3.3: Be Good Stewards

1 Peter 4:10 “10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

4. Resetting Boundaries in Speech

Sub-point 4.1: Speak Words of Life

Proverbs 18:21 “21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Sub-point 4.2: Season our Speech with Grace

Colossians 4:6 “6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

Sub-point 4.3: Avoid Gossip and Slander

Ephesians 4:29 “29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

EphConclusion: As we realign our lives with God's Word and reset our boundaries according to His principles, we can experience a deeper walk with the Lord and live a life that brings glory to His name. May we continuously seek His guidance and strength to uphold these boundaries in a world that often seeks to pull us away from Him. Amen.