Boundaries

My son, if you become surety for your friend, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you are snared by the words of your mouth; you are taken by the words of your mouth. Proverbs 6:1-2 NKJV

Don’t make promises you can’t keep. It’s hard enough doing all the things we say we will do. It’s even more difficult getting others to do what they said they would do. So don’t put yourself in that position. Be wise. Don’t vouch for a friend. Worry about making your words mean something.

Jesus taught us our words should mean what we say. A yes should mean yes. A no means no. When we say something we are expected to follow through with it. You can’t make someone else’s yes be yes or no be no. You can only control your own yes and no. This is what authors Cloud and Townsend called “Boundaries”. We take responsibility for our self and no one else. When we fall into the trap of speaking for someone else, we rob them of being responsible for themselves and set our self up for a fall.

Are you frustrated by behavior of others? Do you wish you could straight them out? Watch yourself. You’re walking on thin ice. If your thoughts are about controlling a people’s behavior, you have crossed the boundary of healthy behavior. Pray for them instead. Don’t just pray change them. Pray they come to know God. Also pray you can get out of the way. Allow the power of God to work in their lives by focusing on your own part. Let them deal with their part. Let it go.

Where have you answered for someone else? It’s time to stop.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your clear word. Help us to relate to one another in a healthy godly way. Teach us the boundaries of a healthy relationship. Enable us to focus on our part and let God work with the other person. Let us be wise and not snared by the words of our mouth. In Your name we pray. Amen.

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word. For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.