Is It Personal?...

What should your relationship with God be? Who or what defines the relationship?

Happy February Believers! Let's discuss a subject that I encountered while having dinner with friends in my home last month. One friend was curious about the doctrines and rituals that correlated with another friend's newly found faith. Some found her beliefs untraditional with the Christian principle, therefore she had received both criticism and praise for their concept, faith, words, and works. The inquisitive guest wondered if she followed the principles of Christianity and teachings of Christ. It had become a volatile subject she now chose to avoid. Since this was a friendly get-together with personal boundaries, I changed the subject, but later wondered about the confidentiality of one's faith, belief, principles and practices.

But there are also those who believe being united with Christ means being united with others. We can’t have a personal relationship with Christ without being a part of His body, His people, His church (1:22,23). Which is also very true. When we congregate with those of the same belief or faith, it builds our internal constitution and strengthens our relationship with God. What that relationship should be, and how it's defined will be reflected in your own personal words and works. So for some yes, this is quite personal, but still reflected externally.

Therefore, here are tenets or key aspects of religion and spirituality that should be universal to everyone with personal religious and spiritual boundaries. For Believers the key aspects of should include:

• Protection of Your Energy: Setting limits on conversations or environments that violate your spiritual peace or beliefs.

• Your Practices and Rituals: Protecting time for worship, prayer, or rest (e.g., Sabbath).

• Defining Your Non-Negotiables: Establishing clear standards for behavior and belief, often rooted in faith.

• Your Self-Respect: Respecting your own spiritual journey, even when it differs from others.

Remember Believers, personal religious and spiritual boundaries require a closing that is both firm and empowering, remember to honor your spiritual life without guilt. Reinforced boundaries are not walls meant to isolate, but doors that protect one’s energy and spiritual integrity. Amen? Amen...

S.K. Caraway, Director

thesonyakarolfoundation.org

Isaiah 66:18

“For I know their works and their thoughts, and the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and shall see my glory,

James 2:13

For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.