I've been praying and listening. And so far, for me anyway, an acquaintance is someone familiar to me, through work, church, recovery programs, things of that nature.

They may or may not have access to me at home, but I am to be clear on that boundary, and honest in my communication, with an understanding that God can trump my boundaries and inconvenience me anytime He wants.

Here's why boundaries are so important: For many years I was involved in a twelve-step program. I sponsored other women and I had sponsors as well. When I made the transition from twelve-stepping to church home groups, I naturally expected to be able to call my group leaders at home, with no consideration of whether they had the time or energy for me. I thought nothing of calling frequently, because it is acceptable to most sponsors. The problem was, my church life group leader and his wife did not "sponsor". I look back today and can see how draining I must have been. Bet they were grateful for caller I.D.

And now that I have allowed God to remove the plank from my eye, I can see clearly how important it is (particularly for those in leadership positions) to identify their boundaries and share honestly what they are. The couple I am referring to have huge hearts for God, wanted to help me, but didn't have the resources I needed. Every one is worthy of receiving help, but we must learn to pause and ask God if it is His will for us to be the one who helps or if we are to refer them to someone better equipped. And then respond to His voice; in love. 

There will be times when we discover that our helping in the spiritual realm will require a lack of action in the physical.

It sounds harsh, but there have been many occasions when I thought someone should have helped me, but thank God no one was available. It caused me to cry out to God Himself. If I had not spent time with Him during those times, I believe I would have refused the full measure of healing He had for me. Plus sometimes God delights in showing off with a miracle or two.

In the seven years I participated in a twelve-step program, I had one sponsor who knew her boundaries and honestly communicated them to me. She told me from the very beginning that she would not answer my calls after 6:00 pm on weeknights or over the weekends because that time was reserved for her husband and small children. I always respected that.

Will you prayerfully consider who your acquaintances are and ask God to reveal healthy boundaries in those relationships? If you're married, ask your husband how he feels about the time you spend on the phone "helping" others. Does he or your children ever feel neglected?

We'll be spending a few days on this topic. I'll keep the title consistant and label it by Part 1,2,3.