Quote from Jordan Echague on January 27, 2025, 10:09 am

Quote from Eddie on January 9, 2025, 12:51 am

NOTE:

When Watchman Nee uses the term “subjective” in this chapter, he is referring to a reliance on one’s own thoughts, emotions, and interpretations rather than seeking objective truth, wisdom, and discernment coming either from delegated authority or from God’s Word. -- EDDIE

The pdf copy of the chapter is attached.  As usual, I've marked it up and annotated it for easier reading.

Here are the guides for your reflection.  As usual, I look forward to your posted reflections and insights.

1. Consider the following situations:

(a) Do you regularly seek counsel and guidance, not necessarily just about Ligaya matters, from your fellow MWG members, PL, Coordinator, or others? Do you purposely seek feedback about your service or your ministry?  Why, or why not?

(b) How would you respond to unsolicited feedback? Have your ideas or decisions (not necessarily just about Ligaya matters) ever been challenged by either your fellow MWG member, your Pastoral Leader, or someone in the District Leadership Team or your service ministry?  How did you respond? 

(c) Have you willingly held yourself accountable to your PL about an area in your life that needs to change? If not, why not?

2. What two insights about yourself have you gained from this chapter on Subjectivity that convicts you to become a better disciple/leader? (Refer to your answers to any of the situations above above.)

God bless us all.

 

“Chapter 6: Not Subjective” has a message that I’ve been aware of for many years. As someone with strong opinions, it has been brought to my attentions that a lot of the decisions I made in past and the advice I give to people are biased and subjective. 

However, it is through my service in Ligaya ng Panginoon and through the guidance of my leaders that I’ve learned to let God lead. From what I know, there is a large effort on my end to course many of my decisions through my Pastoral Leader and MWG. It is part of my usual discernment process to seek counsel among the wise men & women in community so I may be able to make a peaceful decison.

Likewise, I’ve experienced being given unsolicited advice & feedback from my leaders. And though initially, it was hard to hear them, I’ve learned to hear the voice of God through the feedback of my leaders. I currently ask all the time feedback on the words I say and the things I do from my Pastoral Leaders. And I’ve also learned how to be molded by their feedback and corrections. 

2. One insight I got from this chapter is to make swift decisions upon hearing God’s directive. I have always had the impression that we take our time in decision making to hear God’s words clearly and to get confirmation from the Lord through the circumstances around us. Now I have to rethink that mindset and convince myself to follow God’s clear words to me upon hearing them as to not subject the directive to our personal desires. I pray for the grace to achieve this.

And another insight I got from this chapter is to check my ego. Though I have been serving for quite some time, I need to allow the Lord to work by letting His Spirit guide me. Sometimes I have to tendency to feel bad when I see my brothers or sisters in Christ make decisions that are not in line with my suggestions. And though my intentions are good, I now know that the Lord has plans for my brethren. And that my ways are not His ways. I am more peaceful now seeing the Lord’s work through the lives of my brothers and sisters whom I serve.

Quote from Alan Santos on January 27, 2025, 12:23 pm

Consider the following situations:

1. * Yes I do, in most matters, whether it’s about the family, livelihood, business dealings or relationships. Yes too on seeking feedback. I do so in order for me to know what areas of the service needs improvement. I know that there is always room for improvement and I welcome this from my brothers and sisters.
2. * There are times that when my subjectivity comes into play and responding to unsolicited feedback may lead to unnecessary debates or misunderstandings. I still have to learn how not to quickly respond to the feedback so as to avoid these situations. To take a minute or so to fully understand what the brother or sister is saying before responding. In my MWG, I know that my brothers are truly concerned about each other’s situation, I truly appreciate this.
3. * I must admit that there are still some areas of my life which I have not held my accountable to my PL. Areas which I think is too personal or maybe embarrassing.

What two insights about yourself have you gained from this chapter on Subjectivity that convicts you to become a better disciple/leader? (Refer to your answers to any of the situations above above.)

1. It is better to lead by example & to always be humble. To seek the Lord’s guidance in all circumstances.
2. To accept the Lord’s instruction without question, continually trusting in Him.

Quote from Alex Filamor on January 28, 2025, 11:14 am

Do you regularly seek counsel and guidance, not necessarily just about Ligaya

matters, from your fellow MWG members, PL, Coordinator, or others? Do you

purposely seek feedback about your service or your ministry? Why, or why not?

• I was taught in my earlier days in CYA to be open with my AGL At first this was a tough area for me to obey but as I matured in my spiritual life I learned the wisdom behind it. I see God’s hand working on my life in different situations as I open up, share, seek counsel, or just a mere kwentuhan of my highs and lows with my PL/Coordinator or even a brother with whom I can confidently share my life.

 

How would you respond to unsolicited feedback? Have your ideas or decisions (not

necessarily just about Ligaya matters) ever been challenged by either your fellow

MWG member, your Pastoral Leader, or someone in the District Leadership Team or

your service ministry? How did you respond?

 

• Before I was not comfortable getting unsolicited feedback or advice coming from anyone, because I knew in myself that I was better than him or I had much experience gained (my ego creeping in already 😞)

We can not deny that we come from different backgrounds and often it came to a point where someone challenges our opinion/suggestion, before my initial reaction is to retaliate immediately and disagree with what he/she says. But now as I grow in my spiritual maturity, I have learned to be objective rather than subjective. And always listen to God’s direction.

Have you willingly held yourself accountable to your PL about an area in your life

that needs to change? If not, why not?

 

• Yes, I have to. This is to know what guidance, improvement, and change to make in my life for my personal and spiritual growth. And I believe that this is an area to exercise openness.

 

2. What two insights about yourself have you gained from this chapter on Subjectivity that convicts you to become a better disciple/leader? (Refer to your answers to any of the situations above above.)

 

• Be open to being trained, guided, and mentored by your leaders.
• Always listen and act in God’s direction.

Quote from James Labayo on January 28, 2025, 7:27 pm

Consider the following situations:

(a) Do you regularly seek counsel and guidance, not necessarily just about Ligaya matters, from your fellow MWG members, PL, Coordinator, or others? Do you purposely seek feedback about your service or your ministry?  Why, or why not?

(b) How would you respond to unsolicited feedback? Have your ideas or decisions (not necessarily just about Ligaya matters) ever been challenged by either your fellow MWG member, your Pastoral Leader, or someone in the District Leadership Team or your service ministry?  How did you respond? 

(c) Have you willingly held yourself accountable to your PL about an area in your life that needs to change? If not, why not?

Just like any Ligaya member, I am exposed to numerous people of different personalities, age groups and family backgrounds. I treat them as God’s extension of wisdom and love. You see, I lost my father at a very young age and community became my father figure. I have learned a lot, both spiritual and practical, from brothers who shared their lives to me especially my Pastoral Leaders and fellow brothers in the Men’s Group. Though I have learned a lot from them, I can say that I do not purposely seek feedback in my service or ministry. Most of the time I am shy to ask for one. Generally, I prefer to give feedback rather than getting one.

To receive an unsolicited feedback is a welcome gesture for me. It shows their concern for me. Most of the time, it is Fe, my spouse, who gives one.

To answer (c), I would say the area of tithing used to be a major concern for me. My PL during that time allowed me to go over my relationship with God, make a choice and be accountable with the decision.

 

What two insights about yourself have you gained from this chapter on Subjectivity that convicts you to become a better disciple/leader? (Refer to your answers to any of the situations above above.)

Insight #1: Obedience. I must act swiftly according to God’s timing or else His grace will be missed by me or the intended recipient.

Insight #2: Willingness to Learn. Every people around me is a blessing and God’s instrument of love. I should continue to be mindful, listen and be open to them.

He must increase, but I must decrease. – John 3:30

Quote from MarYo Galvez on January 30, 2025, 1:17 am

1. (a) As a trainer or facilitator, I have always looked forward to evaluation sessions at the end of trainings or conferences. I even enjoy glancing through the actual comments (and get sad when there only grades no explanations for them). Thus seeking feedback is natural for me in the services I have led through leadership meetings or through trusted co leaders. I also seek counsel and guidance for personal matters especially on my career which is also a vocation for me more than a livelihood.  

 (b) The only instance I remember my ideas being challenged was during the 2022 election discussions in an MWG meeting. It was not easy for me as I have strong convictions in advocating good governance which was not consistent with a candidate an MWG mate is supporting. I had to put myself in the other member’s shoes to understand his reasons for supporting the candidate.  

(c) Yes but so far only in the service aspect. I have a tendency of putting the spotlight to myself during service that is why us I ask for guidance, discernment and prayer in purifying my intentions before saying yes.  But admittedly, I use this as a reason to say no even if the answer is an obvious yes which is a disservice to the community which can benefit from my talents or resources.  

2. If He says “Go”, we should go at once. Instant obedience has never been my “go to attitude” even as a leader right now. The example of the simplicity of faith of Abraham in trusting God has made me realize of how much drama I put in saying Him (and the services brought to me). Malaking bagay ang paglampas sa hamon na ito para mas maging mabuti akong disipulo.

Quote from Johnny Yu on February 2, 2025, 5:12 pm

Accepting guidance or counsel from my leaders or peers is not an issue for me.  The bigger challenge is the intentional action or attitude of seeking guidance or feedback from people due to my personality of reserve and private.  Needless to say, I don’t consider myself as an opinionated person.  I normally process an issue in my mind and really think it over before sharing my thoughts.  And because of this, I always consider myself wanting to learn more.  Listening and processing ideas from others, I welcome them.  I learn from them and grow from the experience of others. 

If unsolicited feedback is not an issue for me, I also don’t take it against other people if they don’t accept my ideas or opinion.  If they disagree to my comment, I consider them as difference from our own past experiences.  This is very evident when subject matter is about government and politics.  Even in LIGAYA, when certain events or programs are implemented, there will be different opinion, presumably because some brothers are coming from different past experience.

Saying Yes to a service call is the tricky part.  I myself will sometimes find reasons to avoid or distance in accepting a service, perhaps because of personal circumstances prevailing at that time.  Is this Subjectivity that this topic is referring too?  However, when it is clear to me that being called for a service is what God’s want for me, I will open myself for that possibility. 

Quote from Dom Hormigos on February 16, 2025, 7:58 am

1. Consider the following situations:

(a) Do you regularly seek counsel and guidance, not necessarily just about Ligaya matters, from your fellow MWG members, PL, Coordinator, or others? Do you purposely seek feedback about your service or your ministry?  Why, or why not?

>>> Currently, I seek guidance when the decision needed to make is unusual and complicated. The way I see it is that, some small things I may be able to handle. But in terms of sharing it with my PL, I definitely share those key decisions.My PL might not have time for all my concerns and challenges. For situations where I doubt, I seek my PLs advise. 

(b) How would you respond to unsolicited feedback? Have your ideas or decisions (not necessarily just about Ligaya matters) ever been challenged by either your fellow MWG member, your Pastoral Leader, or someone in the District Leadership Team or your service ministry?  How did you respond? 

>>> It is usual to get unsolicited feedback and the good thing is we have practiced giving and receiving feedback even in our Lingkod days and up to now in the Single's district. Some of my decisions were challenged and I consider some relevant points when making the final decision. 

(c) Have you willingly held yourself accountable to your PL about an area in your life that needs to change? If not, why not?

>>> Yes. 

2. What two insights about yourself have you gained from this chapter on Subjectivity that convicts you to become a better disciple/leader? (Refer to your answers to any of the situations above above.)

>>> I was reminded of God's authority that requires my full trust. Responding to the Lord immediately is what God expects of us. Knowing myself who usually overthink or assess well on most of the situations before making a decision, I admit that I need to improve in this area.  

Quote from Gary Bogarin on March 6, 2025, 7:21 pm

(a) Do you regularly seek counsel and guidance, not necessarily just about Ligaya matters, from your fellow MWG members, PL, Coordinator, or others? Do you purposely seek feedback about your service or your ministry?  Why, or why not?

• Since joining community almost 29 years ago, I have learned to seek counsel and guidance form my PLs and fellow mwg members. Community life is more meaningful when you share your life with your fellow mwg members. I have grown to appreciate hearing brothers and sisters advice (solicited or unsolicited)  because I know it comes from a real concern or love for me.

 

(b) How would you respond to unsolicited feedback? Have your ideas or decisions (not necessarily just about Ligaya matters) ever been challenged by either your fellow MWG member, your Pastoral Leader, or someone in the District Leadership Team or your service ministry?  How did you respond? 

• Over the years of serving, definitely I have been challenged by either a PL or a Service Team Leader. I am open to receiving feedback (also in giving them) because I know that in community it is a way of actually serving our brothers and sisters because it is a means of helping me improve on the area of concern. I always keep in mind that the feedback is coming from  a concern for my improvement.
• There were instances that the feedback or comments given to me were not to my liking or preference but I just took it all in and later assessed whether there were some truth in them. I have made some major life decisions based on advices or feedbacks from my PLs before and I am fortunate that I followed them.

(c) Have you willingly held yourself accountable to your PL about an area in your life that needs to change? If not, why not?

• Yes, I have become very transparent with my previous PLs because I know that they can only help me based on how well they know me or my situation.
•  
• What two insights about yourself have you gained from this chapter on Subjectivity that convicts you to become a better disciple/leader? (Refer to your answers to any of the situations above above.)

• First: I must be willing to learn from others. Receiving correction and feedback is synonymous to humility and openness to God's guidance that leads to spiritual growth.
• Second: God demands instant acceptance of His word. I should learn to put my personal biases, opinions and emotions aside so I can focus on God's will for me. There is a tendency to focus more on myself than following God's will and wisdom.

Quote from Henry Salim on April 13, 2025, 7:39 am

Do you regularly seek counsel and guidance, not necessarily just about Ligaya

matters, from your fellow MWG members, PL, Coordinator, or others?

 

Yes. By seeking their counsel and guidance I am able to gain the benefit of their own experience and expeertise.  In addtion I acknowledge that the Lord is able to use them to talk to me.

 

 

Do you purposely seek feedback about your service or your ministry? Why, or why not?

 

Yes. The same reason as stated above.

 

 

How would you respond to unsolicited feedback?

 

I welcome feedback.  I know that if it coming from a brother, the intention is for me to be better.  I would appreciate the feedback is constructive.  Having said that, feedback is feedback.  Even if it is not done constructively, I will process and discern what  God is trying to tell me.

 

 

Have your ideas or decisions (not necessarily just about Ligaya matters) ever been challenged by either your fellow MWG member, your Pastoral Leader, or someone in the District Leadership Team or your service ministry? How did you respond?

 

Yes. I have been blessed with loving brothers and sisters who I have shared my life with.  They are genuinely have my back.  A lot of times we agree.  There are also a lot of time we donot.  This has led to a lot of discussions.  In the end, they donot impose their views unless it is an area of wrong doing.  We agree that even if we have different views and opinions, I submit everything in prayers and allow the Lord the final say.  

 

 

 

Have you willingly held yourself accountable to your PL about an area in your life

that needs to change? If not, why not?

 

Yes.  I consider him as my older brother and value his inputs.

 

 

What two insights about yourself have you gained from this chapter on Subjectivity that

convicts you to become a better disciple/leader? (Refer to your answers to any of the

situations above above.)

 

This chapter has reminded me again the value of spending time with the Lord.  The most important gift the Lord has given me is His invitation to have a relationship with Him.  For this relationship to grow, I need to know Him more. I need to be aware of His movements in my life. I have to be sensitive and be acutely aware of His leadings and intentions.  For all this these to come to pass, I need to spend a lot of time with Him.  I cannot fully know Him but I can strive to know Him as much as I can. Knowing and trusting are directly propostional. Hopefully I can know Him enough that I can instinctively trust Him and His directions without a second thought inspite of my fears.

Quote from Erick Flores on April 14, 2025, 3:13 am

1. Consider the following situations:
(a) Do you regularly seek counsel and guidance, not necessarily just about Ligaya matters, from your fellow MWG members, PL, Coordinator, or others? Do you purposely seek feedback about your service or your ministry? Why, or why not?

When it is feedback on service, I feel that I am able to solicit feedback easily and naturally from my MG. When it comes to more personal matters, I am able to share with the group but more comfortable when having one to one meeting with my PL.

(b) How would you respond to unsolicited feedback? Have your ideas or decisions (not necessarily just about Ligaya matters) ever been challenged by either your fellow MWG member, your Pastoral Leader, or someone in the District Leadership Team or your service ministry? How did you respond?

Many times I find myself fine with unsolicited feedback. A few times I would see myself a bit defensive. What I find helpful, is bringing any feedback in prayer to the Lord later on to ask for clarity on the message I received from brothers or sisters. Then pray for guidance on responding to these feedback.

(c) Have you willingly held yourself accountable to your PL about an area in your life that needs to change? If not, why not?

A number of times, from different PLs: Handling finances, family conflict, service handling and prioritization, health issue.

2. What two insights about yourself have you gained from this chapter on Subjectivity that convicts you to become a better disciple/leader? (Refer to your answers to any of the situations above above.)

God’s will is simple. I’ts simplicity makes it agile with His changing commands. Our own interpretation can be the one making it complex, extending the time of fulfillment and making it look like it has required much more labor from us.

Being teachable may not be my strong character but being able to surrender this weakness to the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit helps me gain capability to be teachable.

Quote from Gary Cabalde on May 3, 2025, 9:12 am

(a) Do you regularly seek counsel and guidance, not necessarily just about Ligaya matters, from your fellow MWG members, PL, Coordinator, or others? Do you purposely seek feedback about your service or your ministry?  Why, or why not?

Not always but for sure, if it is a Ligaya matter, i do. I share with our group about the evangelisation effort or some great work that God did to my life recently but i don't normally seek other matters with my PL that i think are just too personal or things that i believe i can handle through my own judgement. Sometimes, the training i went through, the life experiences, the lessons learned from others, etc - have taught me to make tough  (but of course through prayers, which is already a given). The question i ask myself though if the decisions i make is what God wants me to do in the end. Do i hear God all the time i asked Him for guidance? Honestly i don't and that's where the area of "subjectivity trap" comes into my life. I just hope that everytime i ask God that i may clearly hear Him....admittedly, this is a clear manifestation of the quality of prayer time i have

 

(b) How would you respond to unsolicited feedback? Have your ideas or decisions (not necessarily just about Ligaya matters) ever been challenged by either your fellow MWG member, your Pastoral Leader, or someone in the District Leadership Team or your service ministry?  How did you respond? 

I am okay with unsolicited feedback because i believe that the feedback i receive from my fellow MWG members are done out of love and not out of any selfish motive. I never sensed any harm from our MWG everytime they will give us feedback.

(c) Have you willingly held yourself accountable to your PL about an area in your life that needs to change? If not, why not?

Yes i am. May be because my current state of life is just a "business as usual" type, nothing super controversial that i have to change as ever since, i constantly pray to God for a "peaceful life, a peaceful death and a peaceful rest." Recently, i shared with my PL the desire to change a job or take a course in AIM for a CEO training but will take my weekend until October which will definitely impact my service in LNP....

 

What two insights about yourself have you gained from this chapter on Subjectivity that convicts you to become a better disciple/leader? (Refer to your answers to any of the situations above above.) - Still boils down to the quality of prayer time where I can hear God so clearly. I always remember what Jesus Christ said that if i seek Him with my heart and my soul, we will find Him. Hence my question to myself, am i not seeking Him with my heart and soul? If i know that i am terminally ill, will the quality of my prayer time become different (ie. become more intense)? That's why i always remind myself that my time here on earth is limited (favorite verse i continue to say to my heart : Teach me to number my days oh Lord so that i may gain a wisdom of heart) hoping that the quality of my prayer time will become better and any area of subjectivity in my life will be removed. I desire Him to continue to work in my life and be present in everthing that i do as i don't intend to dishonor our God....one of my greatest fear...to offend God by not obeying His desire.