What do you think about Boundaries?

[GoldenEagle]

5 hours ago, Ezra said:

This is a secular concept designed for self-protection. Christians have to find their answers in Scripture, which speaks only of geographical boundaries.

Hiya Ezra! ?

This is an interesting  perspective. What do you mean by the term secular? 

Have you read the book?

I would imagine that you are proponent then of nouthetic counseling?

"Nouthetic counseling (Greek: noutheteo, to admonish) is a form of Evangelical Protestant pastoral counseling based solely upon the Bible and focused on Christ. It repudiates mainstream psychology and psychiatry as humanistic, fundamentally opposed to Christianity, and radically secular."

See: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nouthetic_counseling

God bless, GE

[GoldenEagle]

3 hours ago, RustyAngeL said:

I really believe the only book you need on boundaries is the Bible.  But that is just my opinion.

Hiya Rusty! ?

 Why do you think the only book on boundaries you need is the Bible?

How does the Bible teach us about boundaries?

Are there specific passages that come to mind?

God bless, GE

[GoldenEagle]

3 hours ago, Yowm said:

I could overstep my 'boundaries' and 'push a few buttons'. LOL ...but naww. 

Hiya Yown feel free to share your thoughts. Do you believe like Ezra that boundaries are secular?

Or maybe like Miss and Natasha that boundaries have their place in our lives as Christians?

or perhaps something else?

God bless, GE

[Ezra]

12 minutes ago, GoldenEagle said:

Have you read the book?

GE,

No I have not read that book, since there is really no need to do so.  And yes, strictly biblical counseling by godly spiritual leaders (pastors and elders within the context of a local church) is what the Lord expects.  If they want to use the term nouthetic, then that's fine.

If Christians desire wisdom, they have not only the wisdom books in Scripture and the teachings of Christ and the apostles, but also the promise that those who ask God for wisdom will receive it in generous doses (James 1:5-8).

[Ezra]

10 minutes ago, GoldenEagle said:

How does the Bible teach us about boundaries?

You could start with the Sermon on the Mount and go from there.

[missmuffet]

54 minutes ago, GoldenEagle said:

Hiya Miss! ?

So you are in favor of healthy boundaries.  How do healthy boundaries offer protection and safety? How does this play out on a day-to-day basis?  From a pot practical standpoint that is… 

What is the importance of saying no?

 Why do you think that boundaries are important for Christians?

God bless, GEGod bless, GE

Yes, I am. Healthy boundaries can keep you safe and protect you from abuse, intimate relationships and toxic people also with our finances.

Many people feel guilty when saying no. They are people pleasers. When saying no judgment and discernment comes into play on a choice on whether to say yes or no. I pray about everything so I would pray on these decisions and where God wants me to go with them.

Saying no helps you with

1. Self respect

2. Good judgment skills

3. Learning how to be appropriately assertive.

I think boundaries are important for a Christian coping in our world.

 

[missmuffet]

30 minutes ago, Ezra said:

GE,

No I have not read that book, since there is really no need to do so.  And yes, strictly biblical counseling by godly spiritual leaders (pastors and elders within the context of a local church) is what the Lord expects.  If they want to use the term nouthetic, then that's fine.

If Christians desire wisdom, they have not only the wisdom books in Scripture and the teachings of Christ and the apostles, but also the promise that those who ask God for wisdom will receive it in generous doses (James 1:5-8).

Wisdom also comes into play when whether to say yes or no.

[missmuffet]

9 minutes ago, Yowm said:

GE, you've read the book and I assume the bible. What did the author say that wasn't in the bible?

From what I have seen the book GE is talking about is a Christian book.

[missmuffet]

Question: "What sort of spiritual boundaries should we set in our lives?"

Answer: Every one of us puts up emotional and mental boundaries in the interest of self-protection, and mental wellness professionals agree that boundaries are healthy. Spiritual boundaries are similarly beneficial to our spiritual well-being. There should be clear boundaries to govern the beliefs we hold and how we put those beliefs into practice.

Not having spiritual boundaries can lead to theological confusion and the misbehavior that comes with it. The Bible tells us that the spiritually immature are “tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14). How can we avoid being deceived by the schemes of false teachers? Study the Word (2 Timothy 2:15), obey the Word (Psalm 119:33), and set spiritual boundaries.

Here are some guidelines for setting spiritual boundaries:

Set spiritual guidelines concerning doctrine. It is vital for our spiritual health that we not give heed to false teachings. To have proper spiritual boundaries, we must know the truth—we must study the Word of God and commit to following it. “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13). We must also screen out the lies: “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly” (1 Timothy 4:7). The church of Ephesus did a good job at setting spiritual boundaries concerning doctrine: “You have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false” (Revelation 1:2). The churches of Pergamum (Revelation 2:14) and Thyatira (Revelation 2:20) were not so good at doctrinal discernment.

Set spiritual guidelines concerning companions. Our choice of friends is important in our spiritual walk (Amos 3:3). The Bible gives us guidance about the type of person we should be seeking as a friend. Our close friends should exhibit godly wisdom: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20). Our close friends should be self-controlled: “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered” (Proverbs 22:24). Our close friends should be willing to tell us the truth, even when it hurts: “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses” (Proverbs 27:6). This isn’t about being holier-than-thou; it’s about being wise in selecting close associates, knowing that “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17).

Set spiritual guidelines concerning morality. What we choose to do with our bodies has an impact on our spiritual health (1 Corinthians 6:9–10). For this reason, we are told to “run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22, NLT) and “do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh” (Romans 13:14). Samson failed to set spiritual boundaries in this regard, and he lost his hair, his eyes, and his freedom as a result (Judges 16).

Set spiritual guidelines concerning idolatry. An idol is anything that replaces God in our hearts or prevents us from giving God His due glory, and the world is full of idols. We must make a conscious decision to reject what would damage our fellowship with Christ. We must learn to say with the psalmist, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you” (Psalm 73:25). God promises rewards for those who set spiritual boundaries to keep the idols out: “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17).

Setting spiritual boundaries entails discernment: “I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it” (Psalm 101:3). It involves having the foresight to see where a particular path will lead and choosing appropriately: “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way” (Proverbs 4:14–15; cf. Proverbs 22:3). It requires commitment: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. . . . But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

Physical boundaries are important—putting a fence around a high-voltage area is a good idea. But spiritual boundaries are much more important. The health of our souls is at stake. Being protected from spiritual danger is every bit as important as staying physically safe.

http://www.gotquestions.org/spiritual-boundaries.html

[missmuffet]

10 minutes ago, Yowm said:

Is this a quote from the book or 'Got Answers'?

I think on the bottom I copied the address.