Boundaries

Do not move an ancient boundary stone
Set up by your forefathers. Proverbs 22:28

The boundary stone described here was a marker for setting limits for farming or grazing because it represented where one person’s or one tribe’s land ended and another one began. Why would someone move a boundary stone? They would be underhandedly taking from their neighbors (or literally their fellow brothers) and adding to their wealth. It would be the equivalent of moving someone’s saved parking spot in a Chicago winter so that you can take their spot. More importantly, it’s addressing the secret desire to take something while no one is looking and won’t miss it, and adding it your own possession. Tipping the scales in your favor. Taking stuff. Taking money. Taking time. Giving to self while no one can catch you. And specifically, the outcome in this passage is not just a one time action, but leads to continuous favor on your part because once a boundary stone has been moved, it’s unlikely anyone is going to realize that it has been moved, so you will continue to reap the rewards of the dirty deed. It’s sinister and selfish. It’s underhanded and continuous. With time, no one will ever be able to catch you because they won’t remember where the boundary is truly supposed to sit.

This is equivalent to breaking your parents’ password protection on the computer and allowing your free access to any information they do not want you to have. It would be changing the settings at work on the computer so that you can surf the Internet even though you are not supposed to. It would be finding a secret way of making the soda machine give you two cans instead of one. Or taking two newspapers instead of one. Or maybe even lying about your age so that you can get certain privileges (free meal for your kid when he doesn’t actually qualify, going to a movie that you are supposed to be banned from, etc.).

Father, forgive me for living for self. Forgive me for worshipping myself so much so that I actually believe that all rules and boundaries can and should be changed in my favor. Forgive me for thinking I’m right because I can or have done it. Forgive me for thinking that the person I’m stealing from or manipulating is just too sensitive or touchy or selfish themselves when they call me out on it. Forgive me for moving the boundaries of time so that areas of life like work or play override other areas like time with you or time with Elizabeth. In effect, I have stolen from you and Elizabeth when I allow this to happen. Help me to see my own selfish ambition when an opportunity arises to secretly move a boundary or a rule in my favor to add to my pleasure or possession at another’s expense. Grant me your sight and your wisdom, and soften my heart when the conviction comes. And if I move the boundary, make my life miserable until I put it back.