My thought process on limits began with the Lord drawing my attention to speed limits. I used to be in the habit of edging at least two or three miles over the speed limit. My only excuse was that I knew I could get away with it. Then one day, some time ago, I felt the Lord asking me, “So what exactly is the definition of the word ‘limit’?” I was humbled and contrite, as I always am when He asks me one of those convicting questions. It made me realize that I had actually been breaking the law for many years.
Maybe you believe my thinking is too stringent. But don’t we serve a God who expects us to follow Him stringently? Have you read the Old Testament law? How strict was that?! However, Jesus fulfilled that law, taking it much deeper. He taught us to clean up not only our behaviors, but our very thoughts. He said in Matthew 5:21-22, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” Then in verses 27-28, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Our thoughts are where our stretching of the limits begins. If we don’t catch our sin there, it very likely will become outward behavior. That’s why we are to take our thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ.
Speed limits are just one of so many limits we push above or go beyond. Maybe it’s just a little lie to try to cover our shame. Or we take a few office supplies from work because we’re out at home. Or we tell ourselves it’s okay if the store undercharged us because we’re sure they overcharged us at some former time. I could list more, but I’m sure I’ve stepped on enough toes with these.
We tend to rationalize and tell ourselves that it’s just a little thing. We all know the officer won’t stop us unless we’re at least five miles over the limit. We tell ourselves that what we’re doing won’t hurt anyone. (That’s a “good” one.) Everyone else is doing it. (Another “good” one.) No one will ever know. (That’s not a good one, because God always knows.)
It’s human nature to push the envelope. Perhaps we feel entitled. Pride tells us that we shouldn’t have to follow the same rules that apply to others. It makes the point that it’s too bad we have to have such rules because of a careless few. We aren’t like those people and don’t deserve such severe limits. We’re much more careful than others. Remember what God says about pride, though: Pride goes before a fall. It may be long in coming, but it will inevitably come.
As Christians, we aren’t always as free from sin as we think. That’s why it is so important to often ask God to search our hearts as David did in Psalm 139: 23, 24. I’m not being legalistic here or condemning anyone. However, we mustn’t allow sin to have even a small foothold.
Psalm 139 is one of my favorites. It also reminds us that there is no place we can go where God is not with us. Knowing that He is ever present should help deter us from sin. Remember, He even knows our thoughts.
His love has us covered, though. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness,” 1 John 1:9. We have no righteousness other than what Jesus gives us, and He gives it freely if we confess and repent.
We are called to deny ourselves and take up our crosses. We find our life by losing it for the sake of Jesus. It is impossible to do this on our own. The only way to overcome human nature is with the help of the Holy Spirit. He is always glad to help. Praise God that His love is without limits.
Love and blessings!
flutterings 