Restrain, Restrict: Boundaries for Our Good

To restrain or restrict is to hold something back, to set a boundary, or to limit action for the sake of a greater good. In every area of life, authorities place limits and controls so that people, communities and creation can flourish.

God’s Good Boundaries

In all aspects of life, various authorities impose limitations or controls for the harmonious functioning of society and life in general. Without these, there would be chaos if each person did what seems right to them. The Bible’s commands are boundaries given for our benefit, not because God is against us having fun or freedom (Ex 20:3-17; Mk 12:30-31). When society operates by these divine guidelines, there is order, peace, respect, trust and security with goodwill, because boundaries provide a safe environment inside defined limits. When people are unaware of, or disregard, these protective barriers, they come out from under a covering ‘umbrella’ and are vulnerable to extra spiritual attack, with consequences that follow any wrong choices made.

Do I view restrictions as being for my good?

In the Garden of Eden, a place of infinite choice, there was just one restriction; Satan tempted mankind to ignore it, and because restraint through self-control was not exercised, sin took place (Gen 2:16-17). Ever since, there has been ongoing temptation to overstep the boundaries, with human nature wanting its desires met while not considering the long-term repercussions. If we give in to this urge it will be to our loss and ultimate regret as we experience the consequences. A wise person keeps themselves under control (Prov 29:11). Prevention is better than cure; obeying is better than making amends after sinning (1 Sam 15:22).

The choice is ours: we may keep within these boundaries, or we may flout them in rebellion and arrogance — but every limit we disregard is disregarded to our own harm.

Some biblical restrictions are permanent (for example, do not commit adultery), while others apply only for a season (the limitation on sexual relations before marriage changes after the public marriage commitment). Patience and self-discipline are needed to see the long-term perspective of what would be lost by succumbing to the temptation to ignore the restriction.

Self-Control and the Heart

Self-control, or inner restraint, is a necessary discipline that needs to be constantly applied in our Christian walk. The desires of the physical body should be under the control of our soul and spirit at all times. The world’s system of rules is largely ineffective to combat or hold back sensual indulgences. Even if the action is repressed, the heart’s desire—lustful thoughts and fantasy—is also sin and creates wrong soul ties (Mt 5:27-28, 15:19; Col 2:23). A change of heart is required so that the mind and attitudes are purified (Rom 12:2; 1 Pet 4:2).

Where does my heart need to be brought under Christ’s control?

Authority and the Restraint of Evil

Externally, clear rules—along with a conscience that will bring conviction if they are broken—and penalties are incentives to keep us from wrong. For your own protection and peace of mind, know and live by the commands and principles of Scripture, as well as those of society. We are specifically instructed to obey our authorities (Rom 13:1-3). Recognise also that a wise person uses few words and does not need to speak their mind on every subject (Prov 17:27-28). However, note that there are no laws against being too kind, self-controlled, or any other fruit resulting from having the Holy Spirit work in your life (Gal 5:22-23).

Some people consider ‘rules are made to be broken’. How do you respond to this?

Satan wants to hold us back from entering in to what Jesus died to provide for us. He does this by keeping us from knowing the truth, or through deception and guilt about our past. There may be areas of our life where we need deliverance from bondages in order to walk into the freedom of Christ (Gal 5:1).

Righteousness is currently holding back the full effect of the evil Antichrist; however, this will not always be the case, and end-time events are increasingly impacting the world (2 Thes 2:1-7).

Reflection and Application:

Do I view God’s boundaries as protective limits or as obstacles to my freedom?
What desires or habits do I need to bring under the control of the Holy Spirit?
How do I respond when legitimate authority places restrictions on me?
Am I living in the freedom Christ won for me, or am I still held back by past bondages?