Guardrails: Essential Boundaries for Spiritual Safety
Summary
### Summary
Today, we conclude our "Despicable Me" series by discussing the importance of guardrails in our lives. Guardrails, both literal and metaphorical, are essential for our safety and well-being. They protect us from danger and keep us on the right path. This concept is vividly illustrated through personal anecdotes, such as my family's vacation to Colorado Springs, where the absence of guardrails on a mountain road led us to choose a safer, albeit more expensive, option. Similarly, the mandatory use of seatbelts, once resisted, is now universally accepted as a necessary safety measure.
Our natural inclination towards selfishness, what theologians call our sin nature, makes us resistant to boundaries and limits. However, these guardrails are crucial for our spiritual, emotional, and relational health. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, written by Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, emphasizes the importance of relationships as guardrails. Solomon's wisdom teaches us that two are better than one because they can help each other succeed, keep each other warm, and stand back-to-back to conquer challenges.
In practical terms, this means we need people in our lives who can act as guardrails, helping us stay on the path God has set for us. This is why community is so vital. Whether it's through small groups, dinner clubs, or simply reaching out to single parents or individuals, we need to build relationships that provide mutual support and accountability. These relationships help us combat our natural selfish tendencies and keep our focus on Jesus and others.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Necessity of Guardrails: Guardrails, both physical and spiritual, are essential for our safety and well-being. They protect us from imminent danger and help us stay on the right path. Just as we accept seatbelts for our physical safety, we should embrace spiritual guardrails to keep us from falling into selfishness. [03:07]
2. The Power of Community: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 highlights the importance of relationships. Two are better than one because they can help each other succeed, keep each other warm, and stand back-to-back to conquer challenges. This wisdom underscores the need for community in our spiritual journey. [10:52]
3. Mutual Support in Relationships: We need people in our lives who can act as guardrails, helping us stay focused on Jesus and others. This mutual support is crucial for overcoming our natural inclination towards selfishness and for maintaining our spiritual health. [16:27]
4. Practical Steps to Build Community: Joining a small group or a dinner club can provide the relational support we need. These groups offer opportunities for prayer, Bible study, and social interaction, helping us develop 2 a.m. friends who can be there for us in times of need. [23:49]
5. Reaching Out to Single Parents: One of the most profound ministries we can engage in is supporting single parents. By stepping into their lives and offering practical help, we can provide much-needed community and support, embodying the love of Christ in tangible ways. [27:05]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Colorado Springs Vacation
[02:35] - The Importance of Guardrails
[03:07] - Resistance to Boundaries
[05:10] - Parenting and Guardrails
[06:33] - Guardrails in Youth Leadership
[07:26] - Recap of Despicable Me Series
[08:41] - Need for Guardrails in Life
[09:12] - Introduction to Ecclesiastes
[10:52] - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Reading
[11:26] - The Power of Two
[13:13] - Practical Examples of Community
[15:03] - The Danger of Falling Alone
[16:27] - Spiritual Guardrails
[18:58] - Keeping Each Other Warm
[21:22] - Standing Back-to-Back
[23:49] - Next Steps: Small Groups
[25:23] - Next Steps: Dinner Club
[27:05] - Reaching Out to Single Parents
[29:20] - The Inherent Knowledge of Falling
[30:22] - Invitation to Relationship with Jesus
[32:31] - Call to Action: Small Groups and Dinner Club
[33:33] - Closing Song
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, what are some benefits of having another person with you?
2. In the sermon, what personal anecdote did the pastor share to illustrate the importance of guardrails? [02:35]
3. How did the pastor describe our natural inclination towards selfishness, and what term did he use to refer to it? [03:07]
4. What practical steps did the pastor suggest for building community and mutual support? [23:49]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Solomon emphasize that "two are better than one" in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12? How does this relate to the concept of guardrails in our lives?
2. The pastor mentioned that our "sin nature" makes us resistant to boundaries and limits. How does this resistance manifest in our daily lives? [03:07]
3. How can relationships act as spiritual guardrails, according to the sermon? Provide examples from the sermon to support your answer. [16:27]
4. What does the pastor mean when he says we need "2 a.m. friends," and how does this concept align with the teachings in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12? [23:49]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you resisted a boundary or limit in your life. How did that resistance impact you, and what could have been different if you had embraced that boundary? [03:07]
2. Think about your current relationships. Do you have people in your life who act as guardrails for you? If not, what steps can you take to build such relationships? [16:27]
3. The pastor suggested joining a small group or dinner club as a practical step to build community. Are you currently part of such a group? If not, what is holding you back, and how can you overcome those obstacles? [23:49]
4. How can you be a guardrail for someone else in your community? Identify one person you can support this week and describe how you will do it. [16:27]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of reaching out to single parents. Do you know a single parent who could use support? What specific actions can you take to help them this week? [27:05]
6. Reflect on the idea of "2 a.m. friends." Do you have friends you can call in the middle of the night if you need help? If not, what steps can you take to develop such deep, supportive relationships? [23:49]
7. The pastor mentioned the inherent knowledge of the danger of falling. How can you apply this understanding to your spiritual life to prevent falling into selfishness or other pitfalls? [29:20]
Devotional
### Day 1: Embracing Guardrails for Spiritual Safety
Guardrails, both physical and spiritual, are essential for our safety and well-being. They protect us from imminent danger and help us stay on the right path. Just as we accept seatbelts for our physical safety, we should embrace spiritual guardrails to keep us from falling into selfishness. Our natural inclination towards selfishness, what theologians call our sin nature, makes us resistant to boundaries and limits. However, these guardrails are crucial for our spiritual, emotional, and relational health.
In practical terms, this means we need to establish boundaries in our lives that align with God's will. These boundaries can be in the form of personal disciplines, accountability partners, or community involvement. By setting these guardrails, we can avoid the pitfalls of sin and stay focused on our spiritual journey. Embracing these guardrails is not about restriction but about protection and guidance towards a fulfilling life in Christ. [03:07]
Proverbs 4:23-27 (ESV): "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil."
Reflection: What are some spiritual guardrails you can set up in your life today to help you stay on the path God has set for you?
### Day 2: The Power of Community
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 highlights the importance of relationships. Two are better than one because they can help each other succeed, keep each other warm, and stand back-to-back to conquer challenges. This wisdom underscores the need for community in our spiritual journey. Relationships act as guardrails, providing support, encouragement, and accountability.
In a world that often promotes individualism, it's crucial to remember that we are designed for community. Being part of a community helps us grow spiritually and emotionally. It allows us to share our burdens, celebrate our victories, and navigate life's challenges together. By investing in relationships, we create a support system that helps us stay focused on our spiritual goals and keeps us grounded in our faith. [10:52]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who in your life acts as a spiritual guardrail for you? How can you invest more in that relationship this week?
### Day 3: Mutual Support in Relationships
We need people in our lives who can act as guardrails, helping us stay focused on Jesus and others. This mutual support is crucial for overcoming our natural inclination towards selfishness and for maintaining our spiritual health. Relationships that provide mutual support and accountability help us combat our natural selfish tendencies and keep our focus on Jesus and others.
This means actively seeking out and nurturing relationships that encourage spiritual growth. Whether it's through small groups, mentorship, or friendships, these relationships are vital for our spiritual well-being. They help us stay accountable, provide encouragement, and offer a different perspective when we face challenges. By surrounding ourselves with people who share our faith, we create an environment that fosters spiritual growth and resilience. [16:27]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Think of a friend or family member who needs support. How can you be a guardrail for them this week?
### Day 4: Practical Steps to Build Community
Joining a small group or a dinner club can provide the relational support we need. These groups offer opportunities for prayer, Bible study, and social interaction, helping us develop 2 a.m. friends who can be there for us in times of need. Building community is not just about attending church services but actively engaging in smaller, more intimate settings where deeper relationships can be formed.
These smaller groups provide a safe space for vulnerability, accountability, and growth. They allow us to share our struggles, celebrate our successes, and grow together in faith. By participating in these groups, we create a network of support that helps us navigate life's challenges and stay focused on our spiritual journey. [23:49]
Acts 2:46-47 (ESV): "And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
Reflection: What steps can you take this week to join or start a small group or dinner club in your community?
### Day 5: Reaching Out to Single Parents
One of the most profound ministries we can engage in is supporting single parents. By stepping into their lives and offering practical help, we can provide much-needed community and support, embodying the love of Christ in tangible ways. Single parents often face unique challenges and can greatly benefit from the support and encouragement of a loving community.
This support can come in various forms, such as offering to babysit, providing meals, or simply being a listening ear. By reaching out to single parents, we not only help meet their practical needs but also show them the love and care of Christ. This act of service can have a profound impact on their lives and can be a powerful testimony of God's love and provision. [27:05]
James 1:27 (ESV): "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."
Reflection: Is there a single parent in your life or community who could use your support? How can you reach out to them this week and offer practical help?
Quotes
1. "We don't like limits. We don't like people telling us you can do this or you can't do that because of our despicable me. And if you don't want to mean by that, maybe you haven't been in a couple of weeks. It's your first time. We've been in the series with despicable me. And what we've said is we are bent. You and I both. We have a natural inclination to bend towards selfishness. Theologians call that our sin nature. The Bible teaches it. That left to my own will, I might be selfless. For a time. But I'll ultimately make decisions that are for me, myself, and I. I will move towards selfishness at the expense of other people." [03:07] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you're a parent, though, like, you know all about guardrails. Like, if you're a parent and you've got, like, if you had little kids, like babies, you put them in a playpen. It was four guardrails, like, all the way around because you didn't want them crawling around and playing with outlets and things like that. If you have younger kids, like elementary, you might probably, you probably have some guardrails on screen time. Some boundaries, some limits. If you've got teenagers, they probably have a curfew. It's a guardrail. Like, we tell them things like nothing good happens after midnight. Midnight's the guardrail. 12.30, 1 a.m. is off of the cliff. Everything else is in the safe zone." [05:10] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What I want you to understand today is that I need you, I need you to be guardrails in my life to keep me from Despicable Me. You need you, you need each other. You need people to be the guardrails that, that when you start to move towards selfishness, you take your eyes off of Jesus, you take your eyes off of other people and you start putting them on yourself and you start to, to go off the cliff, that you have other people around you that are guardrails for you to keep you in the right spot." [08:41] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Two people are better off than one for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back to back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple braided cord is not easily broken." [10:52] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If one person falls, the other can reach out and help but someone who falls alone's in real trouble. But we read stories all the time like Ian Snyder this Ian Snyder December 4th 2023 there's just this last year in Hawaii on his own I read stories like this all the time he's on his own hiking he's a dad father of two great shape something happens to this day he doesn't know what happened he does not remember he goes off the trail and falls a thousand feet to the base of the mountain not like a like straight down like rolls down the mountain gets to the bottom he says later when he woke up he said I don't even remember if it was day or night when I woke up I knew I had broken my arm I drug myself towards a stream and started praying that something would happen so I made my peace with God they searched for him for three days before they found him and they found him he survived made it but man that's the Hawaii rescue said the Honolulu rescue said it was he was lucky really like he went hiking alone fell off the mountain now take that physical mountain and turn it to a spiritual mountain an emotional mountain a relational mountain something happens and you go off the side and you're all alone there's no guardrails there to keep you on the mountain you go off the side and you're laying in the at the base of the mountain broken hungry thirsty and you may not be found." [15:03] (89 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "I hear people all the time say you're not the way you're not the way you're not the way you're not my relationship with Jesus is personal sure it is so is mine but what they're saying is I don't need other people I don't need to go to church I don't need these things because I have a personal relationship with God that's nowhere in the bible nowhere in fact the old testament that like the relationship that's highlighted is God and the nation of Israel his entire people they had a whole nation and they had tribes within the nations and families when the tribes they did their spiritual journey together every day and they did their spiritual journey together every day and they where they went. There was no this just me and God. In the New Testament, Jesus, Jesus, God himself puts disciples around him. He's got 12 guys that he's doing life with. When bad things come up on the mountain, they're supposed to be praying together. His friends are sleeping, but they were supposed to be there for him, right? Like, like Jesus had people. You and I, we need people to be guardrails in our life that when we fall, reach out a hand and go, hey, let me help you back up and back on the path." [17:51] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You can't survive the spiritually frigid times. You can't survive the difficult times on your own. You have to have people. I need you. You need me. We need each other to be guardrails in our life, to help us stay on the path. And when we start to veer off and be selfish, you go, hey, that's not the way we do it. He closes with this. He says, a person alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back to back and conquer. Three are even better for a triple braided cord is not easily broken." [20:06] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "There is a spiritual war going on right now. We don't talk about it a lot. The Bible talks about angels and demons and they're around. There's a spiritual war going. The enemy, the devil himself, who is real, hates you. Wants you destroyed. Wants you off the side of the cliff. There's a spiritual war and Solomon says, hey, go back to back. How do you go back to back? You have to have other people. And he says, three are even better. Two people go back, back three are even better. For a triple braided cord is not easily broken." [22:32] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You need to be in a small group of people. That's what this is. Like in the early service, I took 12 dowel rods because I was like a small group, maybe like 10 to 12 people. And the guy like twisted it and broke it. So I had to go to 15. Uh, but small, 10 or 12 people in your life that, that, that, that gather around, that are, that you're praying with, you're studying the Bible, you're doing life together. You're hopefully developing what we call 2 a.m. friends. Then when the bottom of your life falls out at two o'clock in the morning, you make a phone call. They're there. Like you need a small group." [23:49] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "There's someone around you that's a single parent or maybe somebody that's single. Maybe they don't have kids, but they're single. Could you reach out to them? Could you just say, hey, maybe you're married. You've got kids and hey, here's a person that's single or a single mom or a single dad. We're going to invite them in to do things with us as a family. We want them to have community. I said earlier, that may be one of the most profound, ministries you ever find. To love somebody, to bring community to somebody that doesn't have it like you do." [27:05] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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