While well-intended, perhaps one of the most unhealthy things that are instilled in children is the notion “you can be anything you want.” That sentiment is as American as mom and apple pie. It is intended, presumably, to engender an entrepreneurial attitude that refuses to let obstacles stand between a child and her dreams. Admittedly a resolute work ethic is not only admirable, it’s biblical!
There are, however, at least two points of failure in the philosophy. First, it puts a person’s “want” as the primary objective. It communicates that one’s desires are the highest priority and worthy of sacrificing everything to achieve it. Jesus, Himself, while His soul was “sorrowful, even to death” prayed to the Father, “If it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” The Son of God expressed His deep-seated desire (as a man), but followed with “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Jesus did not operate on the principle that His personal desires were the highest priority. It was at all times bounded by the will of the Father.
Second, the ideology communicates that anything is possible for the child which, on its face, seems innocent enough. We like to say things like, “If you work hard enough you can become President of the United States.” Perhaps that’s true, but the idea that no boundary exists (i.e., that ANYTHING is possible) is both untrue and outright harmful. God has instituted many boundaries, not the least of which can be found in the ten commandments. There is nothing for which we can righteously strive that is at the expense of God’s moral law. Setting your sights on becoming the world’s greatest art thief is not acceptable and likely to end in misery.
God-imposed limits do not exist because He is an overbearing micromanager, but because He loves us and because it is in our best interest. True and meaningful liberty is freedom IN His boundaries, not freedom FROM them.
Examples of the wisdom of that truth are found in chapters 5-7 of Proverbs. In those God warns against the seduction of desiring freedom from boundaries in the areas of sexual fidelity, financial discipline and other forms of self-controlled living.
Proverbs 5:14 describes the lament of the adulterer, “I am at the brink of utter ruin in the assembled congregation.”
In Proverbs 6:5 is the prescription for those that are unwisely indebted, “save yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the hand of the fowler.”
Proverbs 6:16-19 says the Lord “hates” the undisciplined tongue that spreads lies, makes wicked plans and creates division.
Wisdom is exercised when life is lived within the boundaries articulated in God’s word. The world tells us that if we ignore the so-called puritanical and prudish restraints that a religious culture has forced on us we will be happy. It tells us that we deserve it all and that we can be, do, see, say anything we want. But it is a provocatively dressed lie that does not end in happiness. The reality is that it is sin, and when it is fully grown it gives birth to death.
William VanGemeren wrote, “Therefore, the wise person accepts limitations readily, whether they come in the form of admonitions, instructions, divine sanctions, personal choices, or restrictions imposed by people or circumstances. Such limitations keep them safe from the seduction of bad choices.”
The happiest Christian is the one that enjoys the supremely satisfying freedom of living inside biblical boundaries. Within His fence line not only is He providing us green pastures and still waters that restore our soul, He is keeping the devouring lion out! Take the time to thank God for giving boundaries to us and for loving us enough to ensure we stay inside them.