The unruly brawl between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons made so many headlines. You know the story, so I'll spare you the details Yet, in response to the uproar, commissioner David Stern commented, "We have to make the point that there are boundaries in our games. One of our boundaries that has always been immutable is the boundary that separates the fans from the court. Players cannot lose control and move into the stands."

In sports we have boundaries, rules and regulations to follow. The thing is, we need to follow them for our own good. Could you imagine trying to play basketball without the out-of-bounds lines? Without fouls? Without the rules of dribbling? It would be absolute chaos! The boundaries and rules create parameters that actually free us to play the game to the best of our ability, and many of them are for our own safety. The same is true with God. We are His children, and He has given us certain boundaries and guidelines to follow. But these aren't just rules to make us miserable. Quite the opposite! God gives us guidelines for our own safety, protection and to allow us to "play life" to our full potential. All loving parents do the same for their children. Be thankful for the boundaries and commands God has given to us so that we may live the abundant life.