Territorial

I have tendencies towards being territorial.  It's a reality that requires my constant attention--always.  I laughed the first time I heard this saying, what's mine is mine and what's yours is mine.  Yet, in all seriousness, my heart thought...me likey! 

Most people are a bit territorial whether it's money, possessions, time, relationships, even opinions.    

A few years ago, two of my grandchildren spent a day with me. (actual photo) They were playing together in a very small sandbox in my backyard.  A few territorial disputes required my intervention during their playtime.  

Finally, this peacemaker had had enough, so I drew a line from one corner of the sand box to the other and gave them instructions not to crossover into the other person's territory.  (I love the expressions on their faces in the photo.  Priceless.)

At first, my sweet little grand-babies sat frozen on their separate sides of the sandbox.  They were mesmerized by the line that divided them.  Soon, they began to play again, but they were always mindful of the boundary line.  For the remainder of the playtime they did not cross the line.  

Sometimes a boundary line can be helpful--like in regards to sin are our need to stay far from it.  But other times a boundary line can keep us from things we need to get close to--like God.  When we decide to pull back from God or draw a line in the sand to keep other Christians far away, are we doing the right thing?  Is this territorial behavior pleasing to God?

We need to be mindful, as Believers, that we are meant to be in community not in isolation.  

Years ago, when I drew that line of separation in the sandbox, it was the easiest thing for me to do.  Divide the bickering by drawing a line in the sand that should not be crossed, but in the body of Christ, we are not meant to be separated one from another.  

Galatians 3:26-29 provides for us a great big eraser that wipes out every line that divides us one from another.

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 

for all of you who were baptized into Christ 

have clothed yourselves with Christ. 

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, 

neither slave nor free, 

nor is there male and female, 

for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 

If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, 

and heirs according to the promise.

Believers may not always agree on everything, but we most always be in fellowship one with another.  No more territorial disputes, no lines in the sand...we are one.