Reflection Guide for CHAPTER 5
Quote from Von Cassanova on January 1, 2025, 9:02 pmIt is important indeed to have a disciplined and restrained tongue. But why would that be particularly more important for a pastoral or senior leader than for a regular member of the Community?
We are the role model of our members. They will get confuse about the teachings of Ligaya if they will see the mouth of their leaders are like Duterte's mouth. We have to be careful of all the words that we are going to say especially in front of our brothers and sisters in the community.
Of all the forms of careless talk, what – according to Watchman Nee – is the most
grievous? Do you agree with him?Deceptive speech is the most grievous. God is for the truth and if we tell lies it will destroy our credibility as human being in the eyes of God and in the eyes of our community.
In this era of social media where the black propaganda and lies are rampant. We should not be afraid to speak for the truth. Tayo ay isang Kristiyanong bansa pero laganap ang kasinungalingan dahil madami sa atin ang walang pakialam at takot magsalita para sa katotohanan.
I like your answers, Von. Tama ka, at direct to the point. I like it. 😊
Dagdagan ko lang ng konti, para makasigurado ako na sakto ang iniisip natin with Watchman Nee.
I like your reference to Duterte. I don’t like him either, and I have little respect for him as a leader because of his foul mouth. Of course, he is the extreme. But in fairness, maybe sometimes he has good things to say, and he has to give an important message. But because you and I have lost respect for him, we don’t care to pay attention and listen to him anymore, right?
And that is the lesson that Watchman Nee wants to highlight with us leaders. Let’s be careful with our speech not just when we’re giving a pastoral message … but even in casual conversation. Because when the time comes when we have to exhort or give pastoral advice, no matter how sweet we might compose it or how important it is, baka wala nang gustong makinig or maniwala sa atin dahil alam nila fake news tayo. Not good news. Jesus uses the word “hypocrite.” Ouch.
On the second point, correct ka sa pag-intindi ng point ni Watchman Nee. Deceptive speech (lies) is the most serious kind of careless speech. Ang careless speech kasi has many varieties, for example: Cursing and swearing. Slander and gossip. Insults. Etc. But of all these varieties, the worst is LYING.
But let me point out, Von, that lying also takes on many forms, aside from totally false statements. For example: exaggeration, disguised truth, insincere flattery, unkind putdowns, false impressions, incomplete disclosure, etc. But whatever variant it is, we need to be very, very watchful of these. Wag na wag ito manggagaling sa bibig natin. Not just as servant leaders, but as Christians, first and foremost.
Kung halimbawa may nakarinig sa atin na nagsisinungaling tayo, o nambobola tayo; syempre wala na agad ang tiwala nila sa atin, tulad ng sinabi ko kanina. They will certainly question the power of the gospel in our life.
Bukod pa don, malamang dahil sa ating pagsisinungaling, ang mga kausap natin ay mag-d-decide based on wrong information, and they will act in a way that is likely going to eventually be harmful to them or to someone else. For sure, nothing good will come out of the deception … except maybe for us. And that is definitely very selfish, and zero love. Kristiyano ba tayo, o hindi? And that’s why lying/deceptive speech is the worst kind of careless speech. Agree?
And you’re right. Speech is no longer just the words that come out of our mouth. It also comes from our fingers when we type on our devices and post in social media.
Basta, remember: in all things that come out of our mouths (or post in social media), we need to speak as if it was Jesus speaking through us. At all times. Ika nga, “Hindi na ako ang nabubuhay, si Christ na ang nabubuhay sa akin.” (Gal 2:20, Pinoy Version) Amen?
God bless you, Von.
Quote from Sherwin Lao on January 2, 2025, 8:24 pm1. It is important indeed to have a disciplined and restrained tongue. But why would that be particularly more important for a pastoral or senior leader than for a regular member of the Community?
- Having a disciplined tongue is expected of all Christians, moreso with its community leaders (pastoral / senior leaders). Why? Since more power and authority is given to them, therefore more responsibility and expectation is expected as well. The community b/s in general looks up to them as an example of how to properly follow God’s commandments and they are always put on the spotlight for people to emulate and find guidance from. Having said this, the more they need to exemplify God’s teachings accordingly and showcase the proper disposition on how to handle their speeches. They must walk the talk as whatever they do/say may influence and represent the community as a whole. In the corporate world, there is what we call as credit risk and reputational risk, whatever you do to represent a company can make or break the name of the entire institution. So the higher your level in the corporation, the bigger the impact you bring to the table.
2. Of all the forms of careless talk, what – according to Watchman Nee – is the most grievous? Do you agree with him?
- the author says LIES / Deceptive Speech as the most grievous and I totally agree with him because LIES = SATAN. And there’s no worst scenario than to be associated with the prince of lies himself. If we fall into a trap of saying lies, then our glass can be shattered. And once it is shattered, it will be very difficult to create the original image. In other words, our credibility, integrity and reputation may be at risk. So we should always avoid telling lies at all cost. Before renewal, I always defend white lies as something moral, but we all know that Lies are lies , we should call spade a spade and not sugarcoat it.
Sherwin, bro, I’m pleased to see that you’ve absorbed the lessons of Watchman Nee quite well. Let me just add a few pointers.
In the first matter, you and several other brothers correctly point out that as leaders much more is expected of us. And thus you argue that gracious speech is something that we ought to model for all our members to follow. We cannot be careless in the way we speak. Obviously not when we’re officially giving an exhortation, or pastoring our members. But apart from the responsibility of modeling proper behavior, there’s one specific thing that Watchman Nee points out that makes it crucial for us leaders to be careful with our day to day speech.
Let me ask you: Is it possible for our pastoral message to fail (let’s say you’re giving an exhortation as a senior leader to the community, or to a small group), no matter how properly we prepare it and make sure it is composed with gracious language? Well, according to Watchman Nee, yes. If we are careless in our speech on a day to day basis, and our members or listeners see this, our credibility, our integrity, our sincerity will be put to question. And so, no matter how flowery our exhortation is, people will see that this is “fake news” coming from a hypocrite (the blunt words of Jesus, not mine). Right? And this is the precise point that Watchman Nee is highlighting.
In the same manner, a professed Christian whether a leader or not, is ineffective as an evangelizer if he is careless in his speech patterns in the ordinary course of life. Right?
So, I hope you got that point.
On the next item, you’re correct. Deceptive speech is the gravest of all the different kinds of careless speech (such as cursing, foul language, slander, gossip, insults, etc.) Lying is top on the worst of the worst.
I like that you mention “white lies”, because we need to be aware that there are different shades of deceitful speech. For example: exaggeration, disguised truth, insincere flattery, unkind putdowns, false impressions, incomplete disclosure, etc. But whatever variant it is, we need to be very, very watchful of these. Not just because we’re leaders, but because we are Christians, first and foremost.
If someone would hear us being deceptive in our speech (in any of its forms mentioned above), most likely that person will lose confidence and trust in us. For sure, they will question the power of the gospel in our life, especially if we profess that we are Christian.
Aside from that, it is likely that because of our insincere, deceitful message, the people whom we are deceiving will likely make decisions and take some action based on wrong information that we give to them. They will be misled by us. Then they will act in a way that is likely going to eventually be harmful to them or to someone else. For sure, nothing good will come out of the deception … except maybe for us, yes, we would benefit. But not them. And that is definitely very selfish, and zero love. Kristiyano ba tayo, o hindi? And that’s why lying/deceptive speech is the worst kind of careless speech. Agree?
And btw, “speech” is no longer just the words that come out of our mouth. It also comes from our fingers when we type on our devices and post in social media.
Basta, remember: in all things that come out of our mouths (or post in social media), we need to speak as if it was Jesus speaking through us. At all times we must be confident in saying, “It is no longer I, but Christ who lives in me.” (Gal 2:20) Amen?
Quote from Gani Custodio on January 2, 2025, 10:12 pm1. It is important indeed to have a disciplined and restrained tongue. But why would that be particularly more important for a pastoral or senior leader than for a regular member of the Community?
The pastoral or senior leaders are in a position of authority.
Sabi nga po nila, where there is authority, usually reflects the organization or team he/she represents. Thus, PLs or SLs must be role models in handling speech in all aspects, in or out of the community.
Our exposure to community leaders in handling their speeches also rubs on us, and reading through this chapter of Watchman Nee helps us realize that we are still a work in progress2. Of all the forms of careless talk, what – according to Watchman Nee – is the most grievous? Do you agree with him?
An unbridled tongue, from what I read is the most grievous form of careless talk, for it releases a deadly stream of words, causing great havoc in other lives, as well as, it can affect our own.It was emphasized that careless words can spread damage and once spoken, they cannot be recovered.
Palagay ko po, hindi na nag-iisip talaga at basta lang meron masabi, mano mang meron masaktan sa mga bawat salitang babanggitin.
Gani, thank you for your reflection. Yes, we are all works in progress, and this is the beauty of being part of a discipleship program. We move forward being transformed each day, as we submit ourselves to God’s word and promptings.
On the first item, you’re not alone in pointing out the stature and the responsibility we have as leaders in modeling to our members proper Christian conduct including speech. We should live out the teachings, and demonstrate it consistently. This, indeed, is vital.
But Watchman Nee wants to highlight something else for us leaders, and I think you will agree with him on this.
Let me ask you, Gani: Is it possible for our pastoral message to fail (let’s say you’re giving an exhortation as a senior leader to the community, or to a small group), no matter how properly we prepare it and make sure it is composed with gracious language? Well, according to Watchman Nee, yes it could fail. If we are careless in our speech on a day to day basis, and our members or listeners see this, our credibility, our integrity, our sincerity will be put to question. And so, no matter how flowery our exhortation is, people will see that this is “fake news” coming from a hypocrite (the blunt words of Jesus, not mine). Right? And this is the precise point that Watchman Nee is highlighting.
In the same manner, a professed Christian whether a leader or not, is ineffective as an evangelizer if he is careless in his speech patterns in the ordinary course of life. Right?
So, I hope you got that point.
On the second item, Gani, the general category of this chapter is about the unbridled tongue, or careless speech. And, yes, we need to exercise care in our speech at all times. And, as you can imagine, there are many forms of unbridled and careless speech: such as cursing, foul language, slander, gossip, insults, hurtful words, etc. They’re all unacceptable. But, Watchman Nee wants to point out that among these different types, there is one that is really the worst of the worst. And that is LYING. Or DECEITFUL SPEECH.
Think about that for a moment, Gani, and consider why lying is worse than cursing, or hurtful and angry words. Watchman Nee himself reminds us that Satan is the father of lies, right?
And here, in the matter of lying, I want to add, that there are different shades of lying. Di ba you’re familiar with the expression “white lies”? Well, there are more. For example: exaggeration, disguised truth, insincere flattery, unkind putdowns, false impressions, incomplete disclosure, etc. All of these are deceptive speech. But whatever variant it is, we need to be very, very watchful of these, and make absolutely sure that we avoid doing this. Not just because we’re leaders, but because we are Christians, first and foremost.
Would you agree, Gani?
If someone would hear us being deceptive in our speech (in any of its forms mentioned above), most likely that person will lose confidence and trust in us. For sure, they will question the power of the gospel in our life, especially if we profess that we are Christian.
Aside from that, it is likely that because of our insincere, deceitful message, the people whom we are deceiving will make decisions and take some action based on wrong information that we give to them. They will be misled by us. Then they will act in a way that is likely going to eventually be harmful to them or to someone else. For sure, nothing good will come out of the deception … except maybe for us, yes, we would benefit. But not them. And that is definitely very selfish, and zero love. Kristiyano ba tayo, o hindi? And that’s why lying/deceptive speech is the worst kind of careless speech. Agree?
And btw, “speech” is no longer just the words that come out of our mouth. It also comes from our fingers when we type on our devices and post in social media.
Basta, remember: in all things that come out of our mouths (or post in social media), we need to speak as if it was Jesus speaking through us. At all times we must be confident in saying, “It is no longer I, but Christ who lives in me.” (Gal 2:20) Amen?
God bless you, brother.
- It is important indeed to have a disciplined and restrained tongue. But why would that be particularly more important for a pastoral or senior leader than for a regular member of the Community?
For a pastoral or senior leader, having a disciplined and restrained tongue sets the tone for modeling of discipleship that builds respect especially among brothers who are looking for men to look up to in living our way of life. There are also many avenues that leaders interact with members through a community gathering, MWG meeting or a one to one discussion which means there is a greater role and value of being consistent in disciplined speech.
But it is also important for leaders to know the value of proper speech even outside of community. This is the greater challenge for me serving in the government as the sphere of influence is much bigger and the temptation for undisciplined speech is tempting through closed door meetings or group chats.
- Of all the forms of careless talk, what – according to Watchman Nee – is the most grievous? Explain why, in your own words.
I believe Watchman Nee considers deceptive speech or telling lies as the most grievous form. Using this kind of speech is just allowing the enemy to take over your mind, your spirit, your all.
Good thing that as a development worker, my mind has been trained to be truthful in establishing positions or stands on issues or advocacies. Empowered by the knowledge of Jesus who is our Lord and who is the Truth, it emboldens me more to not to tip toe in gray areas.