Are boundaries a biblical idea?

Mark 6:30-31The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.

Luke 5:16Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

Jesus is God and was morally perfect during his life among us. His time on earth was valuable, and countless people needed his teaching and his healing. Yet Jesus still took time away from serving others to rest and to pray—and he taught his disciples to do the same.

Genesis 2:2-3On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.

Exodus 20:9-10“You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you.”

Mark 2:27Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people.”

God modeled the Sabbath for his people, not because he needed rest, but because we need rest. By establishing a boundary on the seventh day, God helped protect Israel from overworking themselves, their employees, and their livestock.

Job 26:10“He [God] created the horizon when he separated the waters; he set the boundary between day and night.”

Horizons, daybreak, and nightfall all serve as general boundaries in our everyday lives. They remind us of goals to pursue, effective times to pursue them, and the importance of rest at regular intervals. God encourages healthy boundaries even through the mechanics of our world.

2 Corinthians 8:13-14Of course, I [Paul] don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it.

2 Corinthians 9:7You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

Many people and ministries can benefit from our time and resources, and God loves it when we give cheerfully to others. However, if we are running ragged because of all our volunteering, or we are struggling to meet our own needs because of our financial giving, it’s entirely appropriate to take a step back. Some people may not understand, but God knows your circumstances and your heart.