Overstepping boundaries

"Do not move your neighbor's boundary stone set up by your predecessors in the inheritance you receive in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess."

Deuteronomy 19:14

If we want our boundaries respected, then we must respect the boundaries of others - singular and plural.

Peace and tranquility

“… always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

1 Peter 3:15-16

Being gentle and respectful in word and deed towards others equals a good night’s sleep.

Hence, treating others opposite of said above will rob you of all peace and tranquility.

Responsibility for the sake of Jesus

A few small reminders from the Word of God on how to live responsibly for the sake of Jesus. Good reminders for those of us that find ourselves getting too caught up in the world:

“ So live responsibly as a citizen, not just to avoid punishment, but also because it is the right way to live.  As well, pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders; don’t run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other.  Finally, be up and awake to what God is doing – get yourself out of bed, clothe yourself with his armor, and refuse to let Satan take control of your life.”

Adapted from Romans 13

Laws, leaders, rules, and regulations.

"Jesus said to them, Pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's..." Mark 12:17 AMP

No matter how much you are against paying taxes, following the orders, rules, and regulations of those in charge, they are the laws made by the leaders of this land.  You are not above the law, nor are you in charge of the leaders.  So, let me ask, if you aren't respecting the laws of land, then how in the world are you respecting God?  You probably aren't.  As a matter of fact, there is a good chance you are selfish, full of ungodly pride, and you feel like you are owed more than the next.  OK, maybe you are owed, but that needs to be put in God's hands - He will see to your payback.  Until then, you are not exempt, you never will be, and no matter how your excuses, words, and actions line up in your favor, in the end, the law still wins.  

My friend, your ungodly pride is only dragging you into a deep pit; let it go, give it to God, and let His amazing glory and blessings come and fill you from within.  And, remember, you will be paid back, BUT the payback will come from God, not from your works, words or actions, unless, of course, He calls you to take a stand.  Therefore, stop waste your time trying, and move on and enjoy all the days of your precious life.

Leadership

If you are called to lead your home, your social network, your job, your city, your church, or even your country, then aside from what the world says, here are the necessary qualifications written in God's Word (which, if followed, means you cannot go wrong, and which, if followed, will always surpass what the world says):

So, to be a blessed leader, one

"... must have no grounds for accusation but must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, circumspect and temperate and self-controlled; [he must be] sensible and well behaved and dignified and lead an orderly (disciplined) life; [he must be] hospitable... a capable and qualified teacher.  Not given to wine, not combative... not quarrelsome but forbearing and peaceable, and not a lover of money...He must rule his own household well, keeping his children under control, with true dignity, commanding their respect... and keeping them respectful." 1 Timothy 3:2-4 AMPC

Follow these guidelines, and none of your leadership roles will fail you.

Encourage and edify

“But we belong to the day; therefore, let us be sober and put on the breastplate (corselet) of faith and love and for a helmet the hope of salvation… encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another… [acknowledge and encourage and respect them all]…” 1 Thessalonians 5:8, 11-12

As children of God, we are called to be different: steady, full of love, hope and we believe in our salvation.  As well, as children of God, we are called to build up those in the world, and be lifters of light in the darkness.  Therefore, stand strong in God.  Wear faith, hope, and love at all times, be encouraging and do your best to build up one another -  be one that brings those lost in the dark to the doorway of Light,  Jesus Christ.  From there, He will take them where they need to go.

Walk in love

Be imitators of God! How? Walk in Love.

  

How do you walk in love?  By being this kind of person: warm, devoted, unselfish, loyal, concerned, respectful, honest, sincere, pure, and kind, to everyone.  Even people that are evil?  Yes!  You don't have to make a point to become part of their lives, and it is OK to keep your distance, but pray for them,  refuse to retaliate wrong for wrong, and let God do the rest. 

My friends, Love heals,  Love brings light, Love restores,  Love helps,  Love can conquer the devil,  Love can bridge the broken,  Love can conquer all the forces of darkness,  Love is everything ~

Love is God.

The chief Cornerstone

“… The [very] Stone which the builders rejected has become the chief Stone of the corner [cornerstone].” Luke 20:17 AMP

We must be very careful of what and whom we reject, because it may just be that when the tables turn, (which they will on those living in sin), that the what or whom may be the one thing, or one person who could have been the answer to your prayers.  Therefore, always remember, your answer, help, or healing can come from a myriad of resources and people, so make sure to treat everyone and everything around you with love and respect.

 

Righteousness: just, fair, honorable, upright, respectful, devoted, and good.

“And the effect of righteousness will be peace [internal and external], and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever” Isaiah 32:17

Make a point to be a righteous person, live a righteous life, give righteous advice and answers, and love in a righteous manner.  By doing so, then (as written in the verse above), peace, quietness, and confident trust will be yours to have and live.