Mental Boundaries
Keep the rules (boundaries) and keep your life. Proverbs 19:1, MSG
Online security is a multibillion dollar business today. The global cyber security market was a $222+ billion dollar industry in 2023, and growing. And that’s not to mention the growth of personal and on-site security (such as ADT, Ring, Brinks, etc.). Think about how many passwords you need to remember these days. You’ve got usernames, passwords, passcodes, personal pins, 2-step verification, etc. And it seems the more sophisticated the security industry gets, the smarter the hackers and crooks become.
Now imagine if we all put as much energy into personal, internal boundaries as we do into security measures we take to protect our bank account, phone, computer, and internet privacy. Wouldn’t it be cool if the enemy had to provide a username and password before being able to whisper lies and false thoughts to us? In other words, if we required a set of credentials and fool-proofs before a thought could be allowed into our brains.
There’s just no way we can survive the onslaught of the world, the flesh, and the devil without developing a strong mental security system. Typically, we call these measures boundaries. How long should I “admire” that beautiful woman at the grocery store? Is this new “hot” show going to pull me down into the gutter?
As God’s men, we must have security checks before “clicking on the link” of that thought or idea and letting it take root in our “internal system.” We must have predetermined boundaries to help us fulfill our commitments to Christ. What does that mean? Think about it. When we are told we will face temptations, those temptations, if given into, can do irreversible damage to our integrity and reputation. We see it over and over with the failings of leaders in every field today. We all know our own personal weaknesses better than anyone. What is your weakness?
One question we need to address: are boundaries confining or liberating? If we see boundaries as restrictive we miss out on the freedom and peace of security. God gives confidence through the realization that we are secure within the boundaries He has revealed to us that we need. We are protected and can face life’s situations with confidence when we experience the freedom that only boundaries can supply.
The most sacred thing you have in life is the cathedral of your mind. Protect it with the rock solid barriers that protect you from your personal weaknesses.
Father, thank you for your wisdom; you have given me the mind of Christ.
_____________________________
“Cyber Security Market Size & Trends,” Grandview Research, www.grandviewresearch.com, 2022.