Testing Limits

Drawing a line in the sand. When I was young, if someone drew a line in the sand it usually escalated into a physical confrontation, no matter who crossed over the line first. I wasn’t one of the tough kids back then so I didn’t cross the line very much. Ok, I never did. However, I recall having fun listening to the stories my grandfather told regarding his episodes of a line getting drawn in the sand. No doubt the stories got better through the years, but he indicated that the line sometimes didn’t quite get drawn before he was crossing the line. I tried researching where drawing a line in the sand originated and did not find a consistent source. Regardless, in each case the line in the sand set a boundary or limit. Going beyond those limits would bring consequences. So, in one way or another, I would venture to say we all have been involved with lines in the sand. As a result we have faced the ensuing consequence.

Jesus’ Consequences

Jesus might not have drawn a line but he was drawing in the sand when faced with settling a dispute with an adulterous woman in John 8:1-11. The crowd was wanting judgement cast upon her and was anxiously awaiting Jesus’ decision. Jesus silenced the crowd as he slowly drew His line in the sand. He drew this line to set a boundary. This means crossing it would involve consequences. Jesus looked at the crowd on the other side of the line and said; “you without sin, cast the first stone.” Nobody was qualified to cross that boundary.

Where do you draw the line?

As Christians, where do we draw the line in the sand? No doubt it is easy to cross that line when debating abortion, or if someone is being abused. But what about standing up for Biblical truth in a noisy volatile world?  What about putting a stop to corrosive gossip in the arena of social media? How about taking the time to tell someone about Jesus? So many things we can do as Christians if we are willing to face the consequences. What consequences? Well, it takes a willingness to go that extra mile, spend a little more time, and engage in Christ centered conversations. It can be as simple as setting personal goals; reading the Bible, going to church regularly, or volunteering in the community. Or like Joshua when he drew a line in the sand and said; “but for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15b.

Our Boundaries

As a Christian, where we set our boundaries, how we act, where we place our priorities, and the examples we set, will be contagious for generations to come. Yes, part of crossing the line in the sand may have negative consequences, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong,” 2 Corinthians 12:10. But it is so worth it, “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven,” Matthew 5:12a. Dear Lord, give me the strength to cross the line in the sand, the boundaries of heavenly reward, Amen.