Jesus in protecting a woman who was accused of adultery bent
down and wrote something in the sand. The passage is John 8:6 where he wrote:
This they said, tempting him, that
they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger
wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
Now there is a debate on what was written in the sand, some
claim it may have been a message to the people asking where is the man since
the act of adultery required both parties to be stoned. Others say it was a
line that people were asked to cross if they had not sinned. This has become a
saying throughout the years about giving boundaries.
As we can see the true Biblical interpretation does not say
anything about lines, but has been used as an early reference to the saying.
The most recent historical event that seems to have created the popularity of
the term was at The Alamo, where Colonel Travis drew a line knowing the
decision would be irreversible.
It doesn’t matter if Travis was inspired by Jesus’ acts or
did it on his own, the saying has a meaning of finality in a decision. This has
become a figurative line which people will not cross. There are so many lines
that once crossed lead to irreversible damage.
Take going out on the town with friends, the line for the “designated
driver” is not to drink. If crossed the potential for chaos and death rises
instantly, the only solution then is for all to sleep it off or call a cab.
This is rarely an option at that point since if they crossed the drinking line,
they most likely will cross the driving line.
Another line in in marriages and relationships outside those
bonds. It is impossible for a working couple not to have contact with the
opposite sex, but the line in the sand is obvious on where that relationship
goes. There should never be close intimate relationships outside those bonds
and one should try at all times to remain open, ie never go behind doors
without multiple parties or avoid business trips with the opposite sex (or same
sex, depending on your orientation). The senior pastor at 12 Stone, PK, had a
great story on a woman who came to him for counseling and tried to seduce him.
He ran from his office, got in his car and went straight home to his wife, just
up and ran away from “work”.
The other day I saw an interview with our son and it got a
little out of control with the interviewers. D did not cross that line and join
in. It was impressive since they were trolling to get him to follow them down a
“different” path and he did not take the bait. He just uncomfortably laughed
and squirmed while ignoring or deflecting the questions. He maintained his
composure and did not cross the line of decency.
In the end we must all “draw a line in the sand” daily
with regard to our life with Jesus. We crossed the line when accepting him into
our lives, hearts and souls to follow Him. From here we need to focus on not
crossing other lines that cause us to drift from that relationship. The key is maintain
integrity and learn that from the Bible. As antiquated as the book may seem, it
handles almost any situation we may face. Sure technology may evolved, but
human nature does not.