Don’t just think outside the box, discard the box!

One day, while cleaning out our mudroom, my husband and I realized we couldn’t even get to the door because of too many boxes in the way. Ones we realized we didn’t need any more. So, we put them out on the curb for recycle pick up the next morning.

That got me thinking about the kinds of boxes we’ve created or allowed for ourselves that are useless, unnecessary, and need to be discarded. Such as:

1. The world’s ways—we can feel like we need to conform to how society and those around us think, their values, priorities, ways of doing things, etc. Political correctness, social media, media in general, peer pressure, the education system, and entertainment all tell us what’s right and good, what to seek, what to aspire to, and what to avoid. We get so used to all that we don’t even realize how it’s shaping and “boxing” us. For ex., do we really have to follow what’s trending, or like a certain movie, or get the latest smartphone, or…?

2. Fear of man— making us afraid to try, suggest, express, or do something for fear of disapproval, rejection, and/or ejection from a group. In other words, worrying about what others think or will think of us if we act or talk in any way they may not like. If we find ourselves not daring to admit, stand up for, or act on something we know is right and true, we’ve likely enclosed ourselves in the people-pleasing package. The kids who go along to get along with the in-crowd become the adults who won’t question the shady business dealings of their company or challenge the false assumptions of their social peers or stay true to their beliefs if they differ from others’.

3. Limiting beliefs—about ourselves, our options, our situation, etc. “I can’t do/be/become… because…”. “This will/can’t ever change because…” For ex., if we think we’re not old enough, young enough, influential enough, brave enough, whatever enough, we won’t try, let alone even think or dream of doing what we wish we could. We’ll give up before we start, defeated before facing the battle we’re sure we’ll lose. Similarly, we’ll settle for worse than things need to be because we don’t think change can happen (either externally, internally, or through us). Taken to its extreme, limiting beliefs cause us to become fatalistic self-made victims of things outside our control. This becomes the “I can’t, it can’t” box.

4. Complacency—some of us may be too lazy and apathetic to explore what’s out there by way of opportunity. The status-quo is so much more comfortable. Taking initiative, responsibility, and action takes too much work and effort. Those here don’t care enough or see any reason to “go through all the trouble” to change or improve anything. This becomes the “Why-bother?” box. It looks and feels like a king-size bed. People in this one don’t even notice they’re inside it.

Thankfully none of us have to keep, much less stay inside any of these kinds of boxes. Here’s how to get rid of…

—The world-way box—Decide not to conform. Deliberately seek and find a better way of living and thinking. As Rom. 12:2 puts it, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

—The people-pleasing box—Realize it’s a lot riskier to think, do, and say things the Lord doesn’t approve of than it is to possibly run afoul of people’s preferences. With people, the worst that can happen is we lose a so-called “friend” or position, maybe a job. But if we have to sin by commission or omission to keep them, we lose a lot more—our self-respect, sense of the Lord’s presence, freedom to not sin, psychological and physical health, etc. That’s why “The fear of man brings a snare” (Prov. 29:25).

—The “I can’t, it can’t” box—Ask yourself, “Why not?!” Remember, if we don’t try, our chances of success are zero percent. But if we do step out, we always have at least some chance, and any percent is better than zero! Besides, if it’s the Lord giving us that dream, that desire to change something, that race to run, He’ll make it happen, by His own power and empowering us in the process. No boxes exist with the Lord.

“I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13)

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” (Mat. 19:26)

—The “why-bother” box—Start caring. Don’t settle for less, whether it’s in and for your own life or the lives of those around you, or society as a whole. Don’t let the enemy lull you to indifference. See yourself and others the way that our loving Shepherd Lord sees you and others—created in His image, on purpose, for a purpose, meant for much better than mediocrity or worse. Remember Who we’re serving by our effort to grow and serve others.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

No box, no self or other-created boundaries. Only freedom to do what’s right, what’s best, and what brings the greatest benefit to everyone and glory to God. Then we can move, act, and think freely.

What’s one box you need to get rid of?