Ask the Secret Service how effective fences are? Maybe a locked front door would have helped, or would it?
Seeing a boundary, such as a fence or checking the front door by a passerby to reveal open or closed is a normal occurrence. When we gain unlawful entry into posted areas or cross fences that are clearly marked we have violated others privacy.
What about entering space not so clearly defined
What about your speech? Do you cross the fence in this area? Do you say unkind things to peers or loved ones without permission? Often times we clearly breach stated off limits, but other times it's subtle.
More often than not we will hurt those closest to us because we feel we can get away with it. The truth is we are tearing down trust and building walls that will be insurmountable over time.
The next time you rip your child's head off or embarrass your wife in public you are slowly deteriorating your role as the leader of the family. You are entering a protected area without permission.
Do you feel that you have positional authority as a husband or dad? You do, if used correctly. Using this authority as a dictator is a misuse of parental authority entirely.
Just because you are a man
If you are doling out commands because you are a man, or just for the perception you are in charge, you won't last long as a respected individual. Your respect as a husband and dad are rapidly diminishing.
Being a leader means you are a servant to your family. It means you are first to offer assistance and grace is to be extended quickly on a regular basis.
Be careful with exercising power and discipline just because you can. God gave us oversight to instruct, teach and guide. Not to demean, punish and degrade those around us.
Do you get respect in your house? Is it because you demand it or because you have earned it?
How many locked doors have you entered and how many fences have you breached? Be careful with boundaries, they're not just around the White House.
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