Don’t get me wrong, sometimes we ask questions to get a better understanding. However, sometimes we willfully ignore what our hearts and souls already know is the truth. As well, we push limits as kids and adults to see how far we can go before it is considered ‘breaking’ the rules.
Even a child as young as being born immediately can already start testing boundaries. One specific instance being throwing food. As soon as solid food begins is almost as soon as the kids start throwing said food. My nephews sometimes toss food off because they like watching the dog run over and eat it.
Kids know when a rule is in place. They very quickly understand what the word ‘no’ means. However, often times those kids continue to do what they know they are not allowed. I have literally been staring into the eyes of a child, who is about to touch something or do something they know they are not allowed to, and watched them do it. Sometimes it is a misunderstanding. Not knowing that something is against the rules. Other times it is the lack of repetition in a rule or forgetfulness of it. We all know though that there are definitely kids who break rules knowingly. Or even get close.
If the rule is you have to be in bed by a certain time, they go to their room, turn off the lights, and then go play in the corner. They are in their room, you would never tell. Sometimes it may be not to touch something and they come as close as they can. Maybe it’s not to eat something and they touch it because that’s not ‘eating’.
Whatever the situation, you can almost guarantee that every child is going to try and blur the line at some point. They’ll touch it with their toes. Blow on it. Dance beside it. Some blatantly step over it. In any case, whatever rule or boundary is put into place, will be challenged. It may not even be maliciously.
For instance, I know that whenever I go to babysit, nanny, or take care of any kids or even teenagers, they are going to challenge what I say. Maybe they will tell me their Mom and Dad let them, even though Mom and Dad told me before they left they are not allowed. Sometimes it is the rebellion of ‘how much can I do this before you explode’. Like throwing food. How many pieces of bread can I toss to the dog before you do something about it? My nephew has literally stared me down with a massive grin on his face, as he stretched his arm out to the dog with a piece of peanut butter bread in his grips. He knows he’s not allowed but it amuses him to see my ‘stern’ expression.
It’s not funny when his food gets taken away though.
Parents, aunts, uncles, siblings often laugh about things like that. We were all there at one point. However, I am not convinced it ever stops. We are constantly pushing boundaries, making excuses, and seeing how close we can get to the line without crossing it. Speeding to see if a cop is going to catch us (I would NEVER). Running into the crosswalk after the hand stops counting down and seeing if anyone is going to hit us. Some people even get off on it. The thrill of breaking the rules or coming so close where a consequence could come.
You may think to yourself you would never, but I want you to seriously ask yourself if you never do that with God.
The question is posed so many times in sex talks and even at camp, how far is too far (specifically with sex or relationships). Let me tell you something. If you are asking that question, it’s too far.
Some people may be genuinely curious. Is holding hands too far? Kissing? You may think I’m being dramatic but I’m not. Sometimes, there are truly oblivious or naive people who were never taught on the subject of those things. However, there have been countless times in my life, where the question is posed about the more serious physical parts. How about heavy petting (as my uncle so eloquently puts it)? What about if all the clothes stay on? How about just the shirts gone? What about making out? I mean… it’s only if penetration occurs.
Nope. I think there is a serious problem when the discussion comes up. For multiple reasons. One of them being heart attitude. If you justify anything you know is wrong by saying ‘well it’s not explicitly talked about in the Bible’, you are already going too far. The question ‘how far can I go’ talks about a very serious heart problem. It’s not even pride per se but can come from a place of rebellion and disobedience.
God makes it very clear what we are and are not allowed to do. As well, Paul says in his letters, if it is a sin for you then do not do it. However, we constantly as Christians see how far we can push it. Well if I get tipsy… then I’m not drunk. That’s ok. Oh it’s only cigarettes, they don’t distort my mind so there’s nothing wrong with it. Sure I may be thinking about what my girlfriend looks like with her clothes off, but we haven’t done anything. I may swear in my head but it never comes out of my mouth.
And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.”And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable.And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him,since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.)And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” ~ Mark 7:14-25
The question ‘how far is too far’ is all about attitude. Why are you asking? Does it truly come from a place of not knowing? Or are you trying to justify your own desires of the flesh and somehow make it acceptable in your mind?
As well, you may not see the fruits of what you are doing right now, but they will come. God cannot be fooled. You will reap what you sow. Our heart is like a sponge, which our eyes and ears spill into. It soaks up everything we consume and from our mouth these things will pour eventually, when our heart is too heavy to hold it all.
Stop asking ‘how far can I go’ and instead ask yourself how to prevent getting close to even crossing the line. While loopholes and dancing beside the line can be fun, you may not realize there is a sudden drop on the other side, which you will stumble into because you eventually trip up. God may be there to catch you; it does not change the fact that consequences will come and the condition of your heart depends heavily on your own willingness to hold your flesh accountable.
God sees your hearts and intentions. He knows the difference between his followers and those who use the title of his name to make themselves appear ‘higher’. Do not think you can fool the God who sees every toe over the line.
If that’s you or has been you, keep running from the line, because God knows what kind of darkness lurks on the other side and He keeps us from it for a reason. God is not trying to cheat you out of ‘fun’ or true life experience. The things of God are meant to bring life and bring it abundantly. It is the thief, Satan, who comes to kill, steal, and destroy. Keep that in mind.
God, thank you for your mercy. For your grace. God even when I have made a colossal mess of my life, you love and forgive me. Thank you Father. I pray God you would continue to stay close to me. Help me to have wisdom and understanding. Discernment of your Spirit as to when I should back away and when I am in line with your commandments. I pray God I would have the strength and determination to follow your laws and You closer than ever.
God, I pray for those who have been playing with fire and gotten burned, that they would know there is forgiveness and redemption in your name. For those who are trying to push the line a little further, I pray for your conviction and correction. God you are good and you are the keeper of our souls. Continue to keep us safe and well in you Father. Thank you.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
God bless!
~ Ashley
P.S. If I had planned this out better, Fear of Punishment and this blog post would be in the same week but oh well.
P.S.S. It’s my birthday!
A Light in The Darkness 