Barriers to Entry
Barriers to entry is a phrase I learned while studying Economics in school. For some reason, that phrase, which I haven’t thought of in years, has resurfaced.
In school, I learned that a barrier to entry is an obstacle that prevents a business from entering a certain market. It is intended to protect the incumbent business from having its market share eroded by the competition. It’s a territorial thing.
Barriers
A territorial thing…A barrier to entry is designed to keep others out so that the one residing on the inside of the barrier can own the territory.
I am pondering…could I be an “incumbent business” that may possibly stand behind erected barriers? What if I am not even aware of the barriers surrounding me? What if my barriers are in place for the purpose of protection? Why shouldn’t I stand protected?
My territory is my territory, right? What am I really protecting myself from any way? Simply put, I don’t want to be hurt. When our heart is hurt, we like to add another brink in the wall, as the Pink Floyd song went. Bricklaying can become a lifetime profession.
Behind the barrier is a territory with attributes like, self-reliance, control, distrust, judgement, self-pity, loneliness, etc. This barrier delineates the land of self-protection. In the land of self-protection, vulnerability is rare, transparency is unlikely and authenticity hidden. And true, deep, intimate relationships require all three.
Barriers versus boundaries
Barriers bar entrance completely, but boundaries create a dividing line. That’s a significant difference. Barriers leave relationships distant and closed. Boundaries create a sound environment for relationship. They come from a place of healthy limits and knowing one’s self worth. We want boundaries not barriers.
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock…” (Rev 3:20). Jesus knocks and he knocks, for he desires more for our relationship. He waits for us. I don’t believe He ever ceases standing at the door. Relationships can always go deeper. The question is – will I tear down some of the bricks that I have laid, some of barriers I have built? Will I let Jesus help with this task? Will I give up some of the territory? Intimacy requires stepping out from the land of self-protection. It means we must grapple with being vulnerable and transparent, and not just with Jesus, but with others as well. This is authenticity.
We will never know what resides on the other side of the barrier if we stay hidden in the land of self-protection. When Jesus knocks, answer. Ask that He remove the barriers. When Jesus knocks, answer. Ask that He bring healing to your heart. When Jesus knocks, answer.
When barriers are removed a market or territory is flooded. Not a good thing in economics. A flooded market doesn’t benefit the business, but it does benefit the consumer. The One who stands knocking brings a flood of love, mercy, forgiveness, grace and so much more. When Jesus knocks, answer. We only need to open the door.
Beyond the land of self-protection, lie some incredible vistas we may be missing, a vantage point waiting to be discovered. But to see beyond the land of self-protection, we will need to venture out from behind the barrier.
There is definitely value in not hiding behind our own barriers, but also I’ve learned there is joy living behind the Lord’s barriers. When He says no and I obey, I always see the blessing.
What a great post!! We can miss so much by trying to shield ourselves from things. I love the analogy!!
Great post! I try to remind myself that this self-protection can be selfishness. It is not easy to be vulnerable. While we save ourselves discomfort, pain, or just plain work, we also miss out on the richness and perspective that comes with these experiences.