Our Holy Covenant

by Commissioner Ralph Bukiewicz

In the journey of faith, few concepts are as profound and transformative as the idea of covenant — a solemn, binding agreement made with God Himself. As The Salvation Army Eastern Territory embarks on its 2026 focus, “Our Holy Covenant,” we are invited to rediscover the spiritual weight and privilege of the commitments we make to our Creator. These covenants are not mere promises or contracts. They are sacred alignments that shape every facet of our lives, ministries, and worldview.

At its heart, a covenant with God is a sacred bond — a pledge of unwavering loyalty, love, and obedience. It echoes the profound biblical covenants: God’s promises to Noah, Abraham, and Moses, and fulfilled in Christ, where divine faithfulness and human devotion meet in a powerful union.

To enter into this covenant is to declare with boldness, “I am Yours, and You are mine.” This is no fleeting agreement; it is a commitment forged in intentionality, sacrifice, and radical transformation.

For Salvationists, our holy covenant manifests in our dedication to holy living, and the sacred vows we take as officers and soldiers. These are not mere traditions or rituals; they are outward expressions of an inward reality that God’s love compels us to live differently.

A holy covenant with God revolutionizes our personal journey. It transforms everyday living into a purposeful walk marked by grace, integrity, and holiness. The promises we make to God become the foundation of our decisions, relationships, and ambitions. In moments of doubt or hardship, our covenant stands as a beacon, reminding us that we do not navigate life alone — God is always present, guiding, strengthening, and inviting us to overcome every obstacle with courage.

Living under covenant means choosing forgiveness over resentment, service over self-interest, and hope over despair. It inspires us to seek daily transformation by pursuing God’s will, praying with fervor, and allowing our lives to be a radiant testimony of Christ’s reality within us.

Ministry within The Salvation Army is born out of covenant. Our sacred commitments kindle a relentless passion to reach the marginalized, comfort the brokenhearted, and champion justice. When our actions flow from this covenant, they are infused with divine purpose, authority, and compassion. Our ministry becomes a living extension of God’s love, illuminating even the darkest corners with hope and restoration.

The 2026 focus invites every Salvationist to honestly reflect on what drives our service. Are we motivated merely by obligation, or by a vibrant, covenantal relationship with God? True ministry springs from the overflow of God’s presence and our heartfelt surrender. This year, let our outreach, programs, and leadership be deeply rooted in covenant, so that every act is a joyful offering to God and brings delight to His heart.

Covenant and sacrifice are forever intertwined. As Christ gave His life for humanity, so we are called to sacrificial service — not just when it is convenient, but when it costs us dearly, whether our time, resources, or comfort. In The Salvation Army, this spirit of sacrifice runs deep, visible in disaster relief and daily compassion for those in need. Our willingness to serve sacrificially declares that our relationship with God is genuine and powerful, inspiring others to seek the same covenant relationship for themselves.

By living out our covenant, we embody a Christ-like love that transcends words and touches lives. Our holy commitment brings transformation to communities and healing to wounded hearts, and it builds God’s Kingdom here and now. It is not merely for our own growth, but for the blessing and renewal of everyone around us.

Ultimately, “Our Holy Covenant” transforms our vision of the world. It gives us a Divine perspective — seeing every person as a cherished image-bearer of God, feeling the urgency of redemption, and yearning for justice, mercy, and humility. Our worldview is reshaped not by culture or circumstance, but by the eternal truths of Scripture and the vibrant relationship we have with the Lord.

This year, let us renew our vows, deepen our commitments, and rededicate our hearts to God. May “Our Holy Covenant” be more than a theme. It will be our identity, our way of life. As the Eastern Territory of The Salvation Army, let us unite in purpose and love, transforming our communities and bringing glory to God with every covenantal step we take. Let us rise, inspired and empowered, to live out our holy calling together.