Set Clear Boundaries

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“Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

We have to take responsibility for how people treat us at times as we sometimes set the tone for this. People will sometimes treat us how we allow them to. When we see value in ourselves and act as such, then people are likely to act accordingly.

Remember that God considers us to be precious in his eyes, honoured and loved. (Isaiah 43:4) Some people will try to use us to satisfy their selfish ambitions and desires if we give them the chance to. Ever had someone try to make you feel guilty for being a Christian and setting firm boundaries. ‘I thought you said you were a Christian and shouldn’t Christians help others.’ Yes as Christians with the mind of Christ, and the desire to be led by him, we seek to do his will and walk in his purpose. But even Jesus had to call out people who followed him with ulterior motives.

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. (John 6:26) Jesus performed a great miracle by using five loaves and two fishes to feed a large multitude with twelve baskets to spare. Some people would have been amazed by the miraculous power of Jesus and the power from God to do great wonders. This multitude however was concerned with getting their bellies full.

It is more blessed to give than to receive but be wary of people who latch unto us because they perceive us as being able to give. Envy is a dangerous emotion and at times stems from mistakenly perceiving others to be in a better position than we are.

We have to set boundaries in order to protect ourselves and be discerning of behaviours that are unsafe. Jesus moved away from the crowds to preserve himself as he perceived that they sought after him out of greed and not need. Other times Jesus sought alone time to be refilled in order not to experience burn out. Our talents and abilities are given to us by God to be used for the establishment of his kingdom. We have to ensure that they are not misused by others so we set clear boundaries in relationships.

A.P.-Y.

Published by Anneta Pinto-Young

I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession. Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm. I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing. I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.

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