Boundaries

Because We Can’t Just Do Whatever We Want

I’m a 70’s baby, so 90’s hip hop was my jam when I was in high school. One song that used to get a lot of play was Doowutchyalike by Digital Underground. The message of that song was simple: do whatever you want.

As teenagers, that sounded like freedom. Sing it loud. Live how you want. No restrictions.

But kingdom living says the exact opposite.

Following Christ means recognizing that we can’t just do whatever we want.

The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:18 to flee from sexual immorality. Not manage it. Not get close to it. Not see how far we can go without crossing a line.

Flee.

Verse 19 of that same chapter reminds us why:

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…?”

Our bodies are not our own playgrounds to do whatever we please. They are temples of the Holy Spirit. And temples are meant to be treated with reverence.

When we sin against our bodies, we aren’t just breaking a rule—we are grieving the Holy Spirit.

That’s why boundaries matter.

Boundaries are not about restriction for the sake of control. They are about protection. They help guard our hearts, our minds, and our bodies from choices that pull us away from Christ.

Following Jesus comes with a cost.

In Matthew 16:24, Jesus says:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Denying ourselves is not a popular message in a culture that constantly tells us to follow our feelings and do what makes us happy. But discipleship requires surrender.

It requires renouncing self.

It requires choosing Christ over our desires.

As a teenager, I sang Doowutchyalike loud and proud. But as an adult with a growing relationship with Christ, I’ve learned something important:

It’s no longer my will.

It’s His.

And living according to His will will always lead to something better than simply doing whatever we want.

Reflection

• What boundaries do I need to put in place to protect my walk with Christ?

• Am I following culture’s message of “do what you want,” or Christ’s call to deny myself?

• What area of my life do I need to surrender to God today?