I think many people think freedom means no boundaries, and anyone watching the news these days can see what that looks like. How would we manage without boundaries?
Have you ever driven in a country where the city traffic is heavy and there are no stop lights or signs? Every intersection jammed, horns blaring, cars weaving around others, drivers shaking fists and shouting out windows. Every man for himself brings about pandemonium. Try crossing a busy street without a crosswalk. Even with crosswalks, you had better look both ways and be careful before stepping off the curb. Pedestrians are no match for a car. Imagine driving on a freeway without painted lane dividers. Even with them, there are plenty of people who don’t bother putting on their blinker signal. I know how I feel when someone crosses the line without looking or warning. The list goes on. Please keep fences around school yards to safeguard children. Please keep unrepentant murderers, rapists, arsonists, and terrorists locked behind prison walls. Lives are at stake.
Like it or not, we live with boundaries every day. God was the first boundary maker. He separated atmosphere and space, land and seas, a garden for man and animals to live in peace. He gave us ten basic laws, not to ruin our fun, but to protect us and give blessing.
Have no other gods before you. Mankind is always looking for someone or something to worship. Worship the one true triune GOD only – Father, Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. No one and nothing else are worthy of worship.
Do not make idols. They are worthless and cannot save your soul.
Do not use God’s Name in vain. Do not make promises in God’s name you can’t or don’t intend to keep. Don’t use His name irreverently or lightly.
Keep a sabbath day and keep it holy. Every human being on the planet needs a day of rest. God established it during creation. Take a day off and thank Him for it.
Honor your father and mother that your days may be long.
Do not murder.
Do not commit adultery.
Do not steal.
Do not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Do not covet anything belonging to someone else.
You can often tell a person who doesn’t have any boundaries by the discontent and chaos in their lives. The same is true of families, communities and nations.