Reflection # 2
Quote from Sherwin Lao on February 19, 2024, 12:12 am(1) How do you know when you’re trusting in the Holy Spirit, and when you’re trusting in your own strengths? Is it a bad thing to rely on your own strengths, especially if you know you have the competence, capabilities and/or resources?
As a human with his own “free will”, it will always be tempting to act and do things according to our preferences and likings. Likewise, for a man who loves to plan on his own, it is hard to rely on others to accomplish things. That is exactly what God is asking us to do, not to rely on our own understanding but instead Trust in the Lord with all our heart. And in all our ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make our paths straight. When we find ourselves in a situation where we look/ expect for people to praise or admire us, then this could be a good signal that we are trusting in ourselves and not in the Holy Spirit. Because the Spirit of God makes us humble. Like little children seeking refuge and protection of their guardians. We cannot do things on our own, we need a higher being to teach us the ways and guide us into the right path. And only through our humility , we will find solace with our creator. But the question now is , how ready are we to take off from the driver seat and allow Jesus to take the wheel?
(2) We know that the Holy Spirit empowers us to do what God has mandated us to do. But what danger do we face when we start succeeding and bearing fruit, and what are we to watch out for?
It is easy to remember God whenever we are down. We may pray for His mercy, and we pray for His forgiveness. And often times we ask Him to help us and carry us up to his care. But how about when we are succeeding? Do we have that eagerness to thank Him and be grateful? I vividly recall the story of Jesus healing the ten lepers, all of them acknowledged Jesus. They knew who Jesus was and His capabilities to heal them. They all cried out help and forgiveness. And when they were forgiven and healed by God, only one returned back and praise Him. I use this passage to always remind myself to be grateful. For God is my God during my ups and my downs.
(3) How real is this possibility in your current state of service: that there would be moments when we behave as if we don’t need Jesus in our lives? Like, in what situations had you (before), or might you (in the future), be confident on your own capabilities, and how are you prone to taking matters into our hands?
Doing the same things and tasks for several years makes it a routine. It brings out familiarity and complacency. And that is very dangerous. It gives us a mindset where everything could be easy. We rely on our experiences and own knowledge and know-how , which will lead us into reliance on our own strength and capabilities. But Jesus is reminding us that we must always be careful, because complacency and pride await us. As Peter also reminds us in 1 Peter 5:8, Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Antidote for pride is humility. In all times, be humble. Because we are nothing compared to the greatness of our God.
Finally, what kind of support can you seek from, and give to, your fellow leaders to ensure that our faith and trust in the Lord is solid, and so that we can live out this exhortation by Paul: 1 Cor. 15:58 – “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”
I value the feedback from my leaders. I believe leaders in the community were anointed by God to guide, guard and provide. They are chosen and hand-picked by God to shepherd His flock and empower them all together. So I humble myself to be taught. I continue to acknowledge that my spirituality is always a work in progress. I seek God’s grace through my brothers and sisters in the community. I know that alone, I cannot make it. But to journey with faithful brothers and sisters will enable me to grow more my faith in God.
Thanks Sherwin for your sharing. 3 things you mentioned that are very important for us to note : Trust in the Lord, Gratitude and Humility. Basically acknowledging that we are nothing without God, and that God is the ultimate source of all our Talents.
Indeed we are fortunate to be called to community, to have brothers and sisters on our side to encourage us, support us and mirror for us the way of life we need to tread on. Thank God for our leaders, thank God for brothers and sisters like you who said yes to the Lord's invitation to serve His brethren.
Quote from Gani Custodio on February 15, 2024, 1:01 pm>>>
There are instances and experiences in my life that at the end of it, is just bending my knee rather than exerting effort on my own. I learned too in those times that my capacity is limited but most of it is for me to learn.
I must admit that I still rely on myself or forget to seek the Holy Spirit on things I need to do, with God's grace I am humbled and being corrected.>>>
The privilege of being entitled at different levels minsan ang dating is arrogant na, especially when I notice someone failed my expectations.>>>
When I think that all is going well and running smoothly according to my standards and receiving affirmation about it might get into my head BUT with people close to me I am reminded to be grounded.
Also in some instances, I seek or approach brothers who can share their insights on the tasks at hand and seek prayers for it too.>>>
Being surrounded by brothers of the same way of life is a big help and has reinforced my Christian life, kumbaga it became a shield and sort of check & balance on how I live out my life in and out of the community
- The privilege of being entitled, dating is arrogant na, especially when someone fail my/our expectations. I do look at service sometimes in a corporate setting. Let us produce the work because others depend on it rather than rather than let us grow in this service together and witness how the Lord will work on as He moves in the lives of others.
The beauty of community, as you mentioned, "being surrounded by brothers of the same way of life became a shield and sort of check & balance on how I live out my life in and out of the community. " Isipin na lang natin kung wala tayo sa community. We will be kings of our own world with no one living in it kasi di sila happy sa ugali, disposition at example natin. Salamat sa Ligaya. Salamat sa pag-oo natin sa Ama.
Quote from Johnny Yu on February 18, 2024, 8:31 pm
- I think it is very normal for any human being to look at his strengths and capabilitites in any given situation, but ultimately, I always lift this up to the Lord and allow Him to guide me because my strength and knowledge are not enough. It is also very common to be discouraged if things don't turn out well, and the more I call on the Holy Spirit for grace to fill me in.
- The danger of success is the feeling of self-gratification, and believing that it was all because of one's own work. We need to constantly guard our thoughts by openly sharing the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the contribution of others.
- I think i'm not in a situation to believe that I dont need Jesus because of confidence on my own capabilities. My current service requires much time to pray and pastoral work, which i cannot possibly do without the grace from God. It would probably have been different if i were still the district servant, where much of the work are administrative, and i would have probably fall into the trap of thinking i can easily do the tasks without much help.
- I think the best service that one can give and at the same time ask from brothers and sisters is to pray for one another and be present for one another, thru witnessing in living out our faith.
100% agree on your following reflections Bro. Johnny.
- On # 1. I like you statement na “It is also very common to be discouraged if things don't turn out well, and the more I call on the Holy Spirit for grace to fill me in. When challenged, dapat ang default talaga ay manikluhod sa Ama at tawagin ang Espritu Santo sa paggalaw. Minsan iba na kasi ang gumagalaw ayaw pa natin aminin at pipiliting kayaning labanan nang mag-isa lang.
- On # 2. It is really tempting to enjoy “the feeling of self-gratification, and believing that it was all because of one's own work.” Lalo na kapag pag marami ka talagang nabuhos na effort. The danger is how much nga ang galaw mo o gawa ng Panginoon. Kasali pa ba ang iba diskarte mo na lang. We forget that we serve not to get things done but allow God to work on us and trust that thy will be done.
- On # 3. Salamat for reminding me that pastoral work needs grace of God more than anything.
- On # 4. Game ako sa call for fellow brothers to “pray for one another and be present for one another, thru witnessing in living out our faith.