Reflection Guide for CHAPTER 3
- "A serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work is their lack of love for man, their lack of esteem for man, their failure to realize the value of man in God’s sight". - I typically have the tendency to be subjective when choosing people to work to outside the community. In the community we see that everyone are given the chance to serve not based on ability but on the openness to serve. Thus we are taught to give everyone a chance. I too experienced this myself when I was given the chance to serve during my early years in the community.
2. Aren't you called to serve the Lord and all your fellows without your own personal biases?
3. Yes. I don't usually associate with people who have chosen to strongly stand in their political choice. Also to people who are close minded when it comes to believing in God. This chapter reminds me that everyone can be used by God even their current situation, political preference, and even their mindset. I am instead drawn to asking God for wisdom on how to still relate to them as fellow man. Man who God cares and love.
4. If there's a will, there's a way. If Christ is the way, the truth and the life, then I ought to find the way to reach out to all man. No constraints and biases should hinder me from reaching out to all man. Even when evangelizing God's people and pastoring His men. This might take some time but with God's wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, nothing is impossible.
- Serious trouble are the following:
(a) their lack of love for man,
(b) their lack of esteem for man,
(c) their failure to realize the value of man in God’s sightOne that struck me more is the "failure to realize the value of man in God's sight"
Dahil sa impairness or emotional, nagiging judgmental o mapag-husga
- What is the question of great importance? How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?
He was so interested that He Himself became man. To what extent are you interested?
Rephrasing it --- Am I loving others as He loved me? Am I making steps to let others experience the LOVE? - Are there people (individuals or groups of people) whom you dislike or disdain or despise? or whom you are indifferent about (not in a negative sense, but just not in your area of interest or concern)? What is this chapter saying about how God sees them, and how you should thus consider them?
Umpisa pa lang nun chapter, meron na po! He was a bossing in our company (wala na po sya ngayon). Even though he treated me like that, I continued to respect and send him encouraging words, "Kumusta bossing, nag-lunch ka na ba?" I even said that I was praying for him when he was on an OB trip. - Watchman Nee refers to the parables in Luke 15, about forsaking all in order to seek the one lost sheep, the one lost coin, the one lost son. What new mindset would you personally need to embrace in order to take on this leadership challenge by Watchman Nee? How do you reconcile this with your current service role and calling in Ligaya?
I know I am still a work in progress on this "forsaking all" kasi within the community setting hindi mahirap magparaya or mai-apply yun sinabi ko nun una --- Am I loving others as He loved me? Am I making steps to let others experience the LOVE?
Kapag nasa labas na or out of sight ng Ligaya, nandyan mag-init ang ulo ko sa taong naka-motor or ng ibang driver at halos masagi ako habang nagda-drive (paano nga kaya kung taga partners in mission yun nasa kabila at nagmamadali pala talaga).
Sa community environ naman, I am reminded to understand and empathize with my brothers who are struggling in living out our community way of life
Quote from Noel Lugue on May 14, 2024, 7:20 am
- According to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work"? How does this apply to you? Serious trouble of those who are engaged in Christian Work is the lack of love , lack of esteem for MAN and the failure to see how God values man. I have been experiencing these through my love for God's people. My love language is "affirmation" . When one joins a community like CYA ,Lingkod or Ligaya, affirmation is sincerely felt. Thus , unconsciously or consciously , I have a tendency to imitate these encouragers..that is to love them back. And through time there is a sense of satisfaction when you devote time, effort and even money to just be in this circle of love. Unintentionally , we lose the opportunity to love Man who are outside the circle. However, still I thank Ligaya family for the teachings about love and being others oriented, or mission oriented. These will really shake you to go back to the truth and realization that God loves ALL.
- What is the question of great importance? How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?The phrase Son Of Man implies that our Lord is interested in MAN so much so that He became one. "Noel , are you interested in Man in the same manner that Your Lord is and became one and lived like one."?
- Are there people (individuals or groups of people) whom you dislike or disdain or despise? or whom you are indifferent about (not in a negative sense, but just not in your area of interest or concern)? What is this chapter saying about how God sees them, and how you should thus consider them? This is a difficult question . Maybe the best way to answer this is to share what i ahve learned in my service to Tahanan ng Panginoon. In my early years of Service, Unconsciously, my disposition is I am from Ligaya and I am helping poor people. As if I was saying , "I am better , I know better and you from Tnp are poor so we will help ". What the Lord taught me is they simply are my brethren. They are also sons and daughters of God. The Lord also died for them. They are my brothers and sisters. I dont give them food in a plate. I eat with them in the same plate"
- Watchman Nee refers to the parables in Luke 15, about forsaking all in order to seek the one lost sheep, the one lost coin, the one lost son. What new mindset would you personally need to embrace in order to take on this leadership challenge by Watchman Nee? How do you reconcile this with your current service role and calling in Ligaya. Luke 15 in relation to Nee's view illustrates the immense personal love of God for one soul who is lost ( who sins). How He will go out of His way to find it ( him/her). Parallel to John 3:16, The Father sent His Son for the Lost....for all. In my service now as Senior leader / TNP Worker, and in relation to my answer on item 3 above, I pray that the Lords grace and Spirit renew me day by day that I should value each person in the way that He values, He Serves, He loves each one . Maganda pagnilayan sa Tagalog . MAHAL ng DIYOS ang tao. MAHAL means love and expensive.
Bro. Noel, I love that you ended with MAHAL means love and expensive because I was initially struck by the things we give in #1 which are time, effort and money. Indeed, these are all valuable to us especially time which is priceless. Yet we are willing to give it up for love. For Jesus, He gave more than He had; He gave Himself to us. What a way to see Jesus' love.
Thank you brother and I affirm your humility and generosity towards MAN.
Quote from Alan Santos on May 6, 2024, 6:16 pm
- Lack of love for man, lack of esteem for man, failure to realize the value of man in God's sight, emphasizing ALL MEN!. I tend to chose rather than accept what is asked of me. I was practicing this last week, I can hear myself saying to myself, "love for all men" while going through the day. Realizing that it's really quite difficult and most often failing to love all men. Now my daily prayer includes Lord, help me to see that all men are precious to you. Teach me to see that all men are important.
- All men are important regardless of who they are, what their status is, how bright or smart they are, all men are our brothers. We must care for them and accept them especially the poor and needy who are most neglected.
- Yes of course, there are people who i dislike and also am indifferent to. Especially those who are concerned only about themselves, who don't think about the consequences of their actions.
God, however, has told us to love all men, regardles of who or what they are. We must see all men as our "fellow-men". But to be honest about it, I am not sure how I will be able to this.- Quoting Watchman Nee "Oh that we might see every human being as a living soul wih an immense potentiality!" ALL souls are important in God's eyes, we are all his children. In order for one to truly care for our fellow men, we must humble ourselves and always look at others as being better than ourself, to forgive and love uncoditionally.
I, too, am not sure how I will be able love all MEN. By default, I always turn to prayer as my window to God's presence. Like, when I have negative feelings about someone, I pray that God will remove the feeling and replace it with His love. Which is why I believe that your prayer, "Lord, help me to see that all men are precious to you. Teach me to see that all men are important." will work.
Let us keep on praying. God bless!
Quote from Alex Filamor on May 15, 2024, 10:36 amQuote from James Labayo on April 29, 2024, 8:18 pmAccording to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work"? How does this apply to you?
The serious trouble is the lack of love for man.
For me this is partly true. All men have the capacity to love mankind but because of culture, family practices, media and preference, we tend to specialize in loving certain groups of people. One needs the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s love to men.
Another insight that I have is when Christian work becomes “work”. It becomes professionalized, strategized and target focused. One example is when one becomes an evangelizer of couples. Unconsciously, he just looks at the state of spouses since that is his “calling”. This may lead to lack of focus on the students, household helps or poor in society.
Personally, I try to be mindful of the people around me all the time. One flaw that I have is I look for people that I can help. This attitude veers me away from some people like the accomplished and capable people. Through this chapter, I realized I should expand more in terms of loving all men especially those outside community.
What is the question of great importance? How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?
To what extent are you interested?
I will rephrase it like this: How much do you love Me? This question pushes me to love like He does, to take care of His people and see His face in everyone.
Are there people (individuals or groups of people) whom you dislike or disdain or despise? or whom you are indifferent about (not in a negative sense, but just not in your area of interest or concern)? What is this chapter saying about how God sees them, and how you should thus consider them?
I do not like people who uses and mistreats other people. As stated above, I am indifferent with accomplished and capable people.
God is the only one who is righteous. I should consider them through the merciful heart of Jesus. To be able to do that, I usually lift up to the Lord the specific negative feelings that I have. I pray that He takes it away from me to allow me to focus on His desire for these people.
Watchman Nee refers to the parables in Luke 15, about forsaking all in order to seek the one lost sheep, the one lost coin, the one lost son. What new mindset would you personally need to embrace in order to take on this leadership challenge by Watchman Nee? How do you reconcile this with your current service role and calling in Ligaya?
“Forsaking all” is a heavy task to follow. One needs faith, clarity of mind and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to be able to identify the lost sheep. This goes back to the previous point that we all need to love all men no matter the cost (e.g. convenience, preference, comfort zone or livelihood).
To reconcile, I need to go out of my preference and comfort zone. To be more involved and aware of each person within and outside my care. Hopefully, I would be able to see everyone through the eyes of Jesus with grace and mercy.
Indeed your reflection bro is truly from the heart, the experience of serving men is not easy. But by God's grace, we are given the capacity to understand them patiently and love them more importantly. As we are called to be a Servant Leader we need to leave all behind us like our pride, selective task or service, choosing people to relate with, and many other selfish motives that hinders us from being a LOVER OF MEN. God bless 🙏🏻
Thank Alex. I realized that it is really hard to love MEN outside our family and community especially difficult people. Again, it is not easy but with God nothing is impossible. Let us keep on praying for conversion of MEN including ourselves.
Quote from Brien Myles Villamiel on May 18, 2024, 9:12 pmsorry for late reflection...
According to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work"? How does this apply to you?
- To place it in my own words, Watchman Nee is reminding us that in Christian work it is not just for the love of a select few… it is a love for all. As is stated in John 3:16, For God so loved the world… not just the Philippines, nor the people who are part of a covenant community… not just those who are educated or can afford 3 meals a day…Jesus came… for all of us, even those we are not comfortable associating with.
- In my studies with CEFAM, one of the basic perspective/ principle we are espoused to take is UPR [Unconditional Positive Regard], which simply means that whoever or whatever the client brings to you in counseling we should not judge the person nor their circumstance, but try to just listen, accompany and when asked provide a perspective for them to consider. UPR also applies to us in community… no judgement, no high-brows, but unconditionally accepting each other as a brother & sister in Christ. Easy to say but hard to do especially with all our individual characteristics & flaws… and yet, we shouldn’t stop as we are called to be His light, His Ligaya to one another (and the whole world).
What is the question of great importance? How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?
- Am I here just to serve and love the people that are lovable, likable and with whom I am comfortable with? Being asked to be God’s hope givers/ light bearers… is it just for these people or for everyone… similar to my reflection above, we should be able to extend our pegs that we may reach and help even those with whom we are uncomfortable with.
Are there people (individuals or groups of people) whom you dislike or disdain or despise? or whom you are indifferent about (not in a negative sense, but just not in your area of interest or concern)? What is this chapter saying about how God sees them, and how you should thus consider them?
- Since our community is filled with men & women who are all flawed (and blessed/ loved by God), there may be one or two (or three) bros & sis that may fall under this category… those that are there but not necessarily having no need for me to have concern about.
- This Chapter says we should go to confession and ask for God’s forgiveness 🙂 🙂 🙂 … but seriously, we should care for all our brethren, even those with whom we are uncomfortable with, unfamiliar, having opposing opinion and simply different from us… since we are all brothers & sisters to an Almighty Father who loved us even while we were sinners!
Watchman Nee refers to the parables in Luke 15, about forsaking all in order to seek the one lost sheep, the one lost coin, the one lost son. What new mindset would you personally need to embrace in order to take on this leadership challenge by Watchman Nee? How do you reconcile this with your current service role and calling in Ligaya?
- As a community kid, being raised, seeing and hearing how the community has grown, the challenge to remain humble, not having a “alam ko na yan” or a “holier-than-thou” or even “ba’t di mo alam yan” attitude, is something that needs to be tempered… I am still flawed… I am not perfect... and yet, I have received the unconditional love of brothers (and sisters). Shouldn’t I be mirroring that unconditional love to others as well, as a loving response.
- As a Senior Leader and District Servant, the call is to be loving to all… even to those who I feel awkward with, have different understandings & principles and came from different upbringings. Following the WWJD principle, love everyone the same way I am loved by him… unconditionally.
Brien, I will always be considerate and use UPR especially to MEN I encounter daily in the workplace, the road and difficult situations. God reigns!
Quote from Gary Cabalde on May 21, 2024, 10:25 pm
- According to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work"? How does this apply to you?
The serious trouble with the Christian workers is when we fail to see the ultimate reason why we are engaged in the mission work in the first place....to be like Jesus to many! Guilty as I write my response to this question as admittedly, I've been "selective" with people whom I serve in my many years in the mission. I failed to see men as the men whom Jesus Christ loves, to the point of becoming like one and then died on the cross just to redeem us from our sure death.
What is the question of great importance? How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?
The question of great importance is whether I see men the way that Jesus Christ passionately looks at them to the point of becoming one of us (except sin). Answer: Hindi
As I write my reply to this question, a doubt came to mind: "Am I ready to accept men the way that Jesus Christ loves us; that is all out and unconditional? People in the community may be easy but outside that is where the challenge begins. Handa ba talaga ako sa ganitong mission? Or am I being pruned by the Lord to become more radical in this mission?
Are there people (individuals or groups of people) whom you dislike or disdain or despise? or whom you are indifferent about (not in a negative sense, but just not in your area of interest or concern)? What is this chapter saying about how God sees them, and how you should thus consider them?
Plenty of people definitely. Somehow I feel guilty as recently I assumed the post of heading the HR dept for almost a thousand souls (on top of my role as a CFO). I get tired, I get frustrated. I would say as a CFO, numbers would not complain nor react. You get what you see in your results. But with HR, I encounter frustrations almost every day. I want to help but I normally do it not in the eyes of the Lord, as lovers of men. Although I wear the hat of being a disciple on mission, a member of LNP community in my work (being compassionate with others) but the fact that I get frustrated (inis) and tired with men, I believe I need to do more on this area.
Watchman Nee refers to the parables in Luke 15, about forsaking all in order to seek the one lost sheep, the one lost coin, the one lost son. What new mindset would you personally need to embrace in order to take on this leadership challenge by Watchman Nee? How do you reconcile this with your current service role and calling in Ligaya?
That's the question I have in mind now: Am i ready to forsake all in order to seek the one lost sheep, the one lost coin? Do I carry the attitude of "one soul at a time for Jesus" in bringing the good news to others? I need to pray more to have a heart and mind to accept men the way Jesus does.
For us in LNP is easy since we all share a homogenous way of life. It is in the mission outside our "comfort zone" where the real battle happens ie. In our family, in our workplace, etc. that i need to have a change of heart and mind with the mission of sharing Jesus as a ransom for many from our sins and assured death.
Hi Bro, your reflection captures the reality of what is happening on the battlefield. Winning souls and bringing them to Jesus is our ultimate mission. I can relate to the day-to-day challenges and struggles that you are in. Our consolation is that we have Jesus at our side to defeat whatever the enemy is throwing to us.
I will continue to pray for you bro that you may have the strength and courage to face the battle in the real world. God bless.
Quote from Johnny Yu on April 28, 2024, 8:58 pmQuote from Eddie on April 13, 2024, 2:28 pmDear Brothers,
Here is Chapter 3, "A Lover of Men" by Watchman Nee. This chapter, like the rest of his series, is very important; but may I give you fair warning: Not only is the writing style of Watchman quite dense, in this case it also is quite abstract. You'll need to read it 3 or 4 times at least. However his message is quite valuable and challenging; may his iron sharpen our irons, brothers!!
I'm posting here two versions: (a) unmarked version; (b) annotated with my markings and reflection guide. You may read and study whichever version you feel comfortable with.
For your assignment, kindly share your answers to the following questions in the Discussion Forum, as we did in the last chapter.
- According to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work"? How does this apply to you?
- What is the question of great importance? How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?
- Are there people (individuals or groups of people) whom you dislike or disdain or despise? or whom you are indifferent about (not in a negative sense, but just not in your area of interest or concern)? What is this chapter saying about how God sees them, and how you should thus consider them?
- Watchman Nee refers to the parables in Luke 15, about forsaking all in order to seek the one lost sheep, the one lost coin, the one lost son. What new mindset would you personally need to embrace in order to take on this leadership challenge by Watchman Nee? How do you reconcile this with your current service role and calling in Ligaya?
God bless you.
Trouble always come when outside of comfort zone or unfamiliar territory. Serving in the company of other men may not be so difficult and intimidating, but going out on your own may pose a big challenge. This is true for me, especially if I will rationalize my situation given the demand of work and family life.
That all men are equally valuable in the eyes of God, that if I received His grace, through other men, then other men also deserve His grace if I will allow myself to be a channel or be used as His instrument.
In the context of our community in LIGAYA, there are people whom I find difficult to understand, not dislike, on their behavior or actions, especially if I think they are not supposedly living out our way of life as covenanted members. For those who are not within my circle of influence, I just pray that they will have their own Kairos moment again. For those within my circle of influence, I continue to engage and continue to consider them as my brothers in Christ, love and serve them, even if difficult.
I think I want to make a distinction on the the lost son apart from the lost sheep or lost coin, as it is narrated in the bible. It was said that the man who lost a sheep and the woman who lost the coin would exert all effort to look for it, while the lost son, by the grace of God, came to himself and returned to his father, and the father openly welcomed him back.
For me, in my service as a pastoral leader, it is not much of effort to consider to reach out to my members if they do reciprocate the communication; it becomes more challenging if the members are not responsive nor following my pastoral input or direction. It doesn’t mean though that we should simply abandon them but I need to honestly examine myself if I can truly say or do the phrase “forsaking all” just to bring back the member.
Thanks bro for your personal inputs bro. I really agree that it becomes challenging to lead our members when our members are not responsive to our pastoral inputs or directions. I always highlight to my Men's Group that our capacity to help them will be dependent on their openness and trust. Without these it will be very challenging for us to help, guide and assist them.
My prayer is that we continue to follow the example in Luke 15, forsaking all in order to seek the one lost sheep.
Quote from Von Cassanova on May 24, 2024, 9:52 amAccording to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work"? How does this apply to you?
This lack of love for man that Nee mentioned is true. In the country like us where majority of the people are baptized Christians. This lack of love for man is clearly seen in our society. We are one of the most corrupt country now in this part of the world and many of the Christian workers chose to be silent. I am so happy that our community Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon had the courage to stand and speak for what is right last election. Mahirap ipikit ang mata sa pagdadasal sa Diyos kung nadidinig mo ang iyak ng mga tao na naghihirap at pinapatay.
As Christian worker, I am doing my best to open my heart to all people from all walks of life like St. Theresa of Calcutta.
What is the question of great importance? How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?
How do I serve and love my brethren the way the Lord loves mankind.
Are there people (individuals or groups of people) whom you dislike or disdain or despise? or whom you are indifferent about (not in a negative sense, but just not in your area of interest or concern)? What is this chapter saying about how God sees them, and how you should thus consider them?
It is normal in this world to encounter people who we are indifferent to, but the Lord is telling us to love unconditionally. We have to embrace and put into action the example Lord gave us. It is not easy but thru the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit we can overcome.
Watchman Nee refers to the parables in Luke 15, about forsaking all in order to seek the one lost sheep, the one lost coin, the one lost son. What new mindset would you personally need to embrace in order to take on this leadership challenge by Watchman Nee? How do you reconcile this with your current service role and calling in Ligaya?
As Pastoral leader it is always a big challenge to lead my men's group. They have different struggles in their Christian life and I need to be with them in this journey of faith. Mahalaga ang bawat isa. I need to be involved also with the spiritual life of my family especially my children.
Hi bro, agree with you on the big challenge in leading our men's group. Yes bro, mahalaga ang bawat isa and we need to be with them in their journey of faith. I pray that you may continue to experience the love of the Lord and be an instrument of His peace, love and grace that your men;s group will continue to experience God's love through you.
I am blessed to be serving with you side by side.
According to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work"? How does this apply to you?
- I think it is thinking highly of yourself and not loving the “man” we are to serve. Doing things to get the applause of man. Serving with wrong intentions.
What is the question of great importance? How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?
- why are you doing what you are doing right now (ie. Serving)? Why are you here in Ligaya in the first place?
Are there people (individuals or groups of people) whom you dislike or disdain or despise? or whom you are indifferent about (not in a negative sense, but just not in your area of interest or concern)? What is this chapter saying about how God sees them, and how you should thus consider them?
- People who highly think of themselves better than others. People who think their power, influence, wealth, etc. can control everything and gives them the license to do things according to their own disposals.
Watchman Nee refers to the parables in Luke 15, about forsaking all in order to seek the one lost sheep, the one lost coin, the one lost son. What new mindset would you personally need to embrace in order to take on this leadership challenge by Watchman Nee? How do you reconcile this with your current service role and calling in Ligaya?
- Genuine humility and emptying myself and allowing the Lord to take control. Relying on His strength and not mine.
Quote from Brien Myles Villamiel on May 18, 2024, 9:12 pmsorry for late reflection...
According to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work"? How does this apply to you?
- To place it in my own words, Watchman Nee is reminding us that in Christian work it is not just for the love of a select few… it is a love for all. As is stated in John 3:16, For God so loved the world… not just the Philippines, nor the people who are part of a covenant community… not just those who are educated or can afford 3 meals a day…Jesus came… for all of us, even those we are not comfortable associating with.
- In my studies with CEFAM, one of the basic perspective/ principle we are espoused to take is UPR [Unconditional Positive Regard], which simply means that whoever or whatever the client brings to you in counseling we should not judge the person nor their circumstance, but try to just listen, accompany and when asked provide a perspective for them to consider. UPR also applies to us in community… no judgement, no high-brows, but unconditionally accepting each other as a brother & sister in Christ. Easy to say but hard to do especially with all our individual characteristics & flaws… and yet, we shouldn’t stop as we are called to be His light, His Ligaya to one another (and the whole world).
What is the question of great importance? How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?
- Am I here just to serve and love the people that are lovable, likable and with whom I am comfortable with? Being asked to be God’s hope givers/ light bearers… is it just for these people or for everyone… similar to my reflection above, we should be able to extend our pegs that we may reach and help even those with whom we are uncomfortable with.
Are there people (individuals or groups of people) whom you dislike or disdain or despise? or whom you are indifferent about (not in a negative sense, but just not in your area of interest or concern)? What is this chapter saying about how God sees them, and how you should thus consider them?
- Since our community is filled with men & women who are all flawed (and blessed/ loved by God), there may be one or two (or three) bros & sis that may fall under this category… those that are there but not necessarily having no need for me to have concern about.
- This Chapter says we should go to confession and ask for God’s forgiveness 🙂 🙂 🙂 … but seriously, we should care for all our brethren, even those with whom we are uncomfortable with, unfamiliar, having opposing opinion and simply different from us… since we are all brothers & sisters to an Almighty Father who loved us even while we were sinners!
Watchman Nee refers to the parables in Luke 15, about forsaking all in order to seek the one lost sheep, the one lost coin, the one lost son. What new mindset would you personally need to embrace in order to take on this leadership challenge by Watchman Nee? How do you reconcile this with your current service role and calling in Ligaya?
- As a community kid, being raised, seeing and hearing how the community has grown, the challenge to remain humble, not having a “alam ko na yan” or a “holier-than-thou” or even “ba’t di mo alam yan” attitude, is something that needs to be tempered… I am still flawed… I am not perfect... and yet, I have received the unconditional love of brothers (and sisters). Shouldn’t I be mirroring that unconditional love to others as well, as a loving response.
- As a Senior Leader and District Servant, the call is to be loving to all… even to those who I feel awkward with, have different understandings & principles and came from different upbringings. Following the WWJD principle, love everyone the same way I am loved by him… unconditionally.
Thanks for sharing UPR, bro. Its a good reminder not to judge. But definitely easy to say than done. May the Holy Spirit give us the grace to do so. God bless
Quote from Joseph Henson on May 23, 2024, 2:07 am
- According to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work"? How does this apply to you?
To paraphrase, the serious trouble for many Christians is that we may love SOME men (especially fellow Christians), but we do not love ALL men just as Christ did. This “serious trouble” applies very much to me as I even struggle with consistently loving even those I find easy to love. How much more is the struggle with those that are not lovable (explained further in my response to question # 3). Also, I have a flawed tendency to think that if I’m doing a service that benefits a collective group of people (just as I work for a development organization for the common good), this is my way of loving all in the group and I get to avoid or be exempted from having to encounter the individuals within the group. Hence, I would need a Savior to get me out of this “serious trouble” since loving all men will require His grace.
- What is the question of great importance? How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?
The question of great importance is “to what extent are you interested in Man?” If I was to rephrase it for myself, it can be “am I sufficiently reaching out, deepening the relationship, and working for the good of all the people I encounter and those the Lord calls me to encounter?” Again, my answer would be “not enough”. I do have a tendency to keep to myself and my comfortable relationships. I believe stretching myself to go beyond this comfort zone is a challenge the Lord is asking me to do.
- Are there people (individuals or groups of people) whom you dislike or disdain or despise? or whom you are indifferent about (not in a negative sense, but just not in your area of interest or concern)? What is this chapter saying about how God sees them, and how you should thus consider them?
Given my past, I am triggered by bullies, especially those who abuse their authority at the expense of the powerless. I have a tendency to be indifferent to those who are materially comfortable, since I cannot relate to them and feel that they do not “need” me as well (and there are a lot in community who fit this description). The chapter challenges me to rethink my attitude towards these groups of people and be more conscious about how I relate to them, and imitate Christ in loving them. I may need to pray more when I witness bully behavior to manage my emotions, and think of the best way to understand and/or correct (as this may be what’s best for them) instead of avoiding them. As for the materially comfortable, I may need to reframe my thinking of “social classes should flock together”. I think there is still value in serving in Tahanan Ng Panginoon given our common experiences. However, I should remember that I can be a good, loving and close brother to anyone regardless of social class.
- Watchman Nee refers to the parables in Luke 15, about forsaking all in order to seek the one lost sheep, the one lost coin, the one lost son. What new mindset would you personally need to embrace in order to take on this leadership challenge by Watchman Nee? How do you reconcile this with your current service role and calling in Ligaya?
This is indeed a challenge as I have a tendency to devote 80% of my MG service time to serve the active brothers in my MG since they may bear the most “fruit” while only devoting 20% of my service time to inactive or less active ones. Watchman Nee reminds me that I was once also a lost sheep that needed saving, but more importantly, God sees each man as important enough for Him to sacrifice Himself for that man’s salvation…and He is calling us to do the same. I need to take a mindset of “love” – willing the good of the other, wherein someone’s salvation is more important than my convenience. So if the Lord is calling me to help bring someone back to Him for his salvation and ultimate good (e.g. I have an inactive member who may have given up on God), I should be willing to die to my preferences and reach out to him, even if I do not see the immediate fruit. This way, I can grow to love man better.
I like how you acknowledge your “pet peeves” in the community bro. But at the same time also trying to address /correct them to your betterment.
i also can relate on devoting ourselves more to those who are active, but I guess this chapter is reminding us to keep on loving and reaching out.
- According to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work"? How does this apply to you?
One of the concerning issues that can beset the Christian worker is when he is more concerned about the work rather than the person who is the object of work. In as much as I strive to treat everyone equally, there are deeply ingrained biases and preferences that unconsciously prevent unhampered relationships. - What is the question of great importance? How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself? The question and instruction would be, Do you love me? tend my sheep.
- Are there people (individuals or groups of people) whom you dislike or disdain or despise? or whom you are indifferent about (not in a negative sense, but just not in your area of interest or concern)? What is this chapter saying about how God sees them, and how you should thus consider them?
There are a few people I dislike and would have difficulty relating with (not in community), but certainly no one I despise. I may be indifferent to some who understand things too differently from my view and more importantly express no intention for a middle ground. It is clear in the chapter, that God has expressed His importance and value for each and every man regardless of everything that makes him. As I am important to Him, I should also put value to others. Difficult as it is, reaching for the one who is most distant and most pasaway is what to Him is necessary. You don’t know for certain that maybe in God’s eyes I may have been or still am the one distant and His most pasaway child, yet He still continues to reach out. - Watchman Nee refers to the parables in Luke 15, about forsaking all in order to seek the one lost sheep, the one lost coin, the one lost son. What new mindset would you personally need to embrace in order to take on this leadership challenge by Watchman Nee? How do you reconcile this with your current service role and calling in Ligaya? It seems that being in Ligaya service creates a bigger call to be a person who greatly values each and every one in the community. Maybe in light of this talk, it calls to remind me that at each opportunity that I encounter someone who may not be within my preferences for one reason or another, I should take a more conscious and deliberate move to approach that person with the loving effort and understanding.
Quote from Gary Bogarin on April 28, 2024, 6:18 pma. Watchman Nee emphasized that the serious trouble with many engaged in Christian work is that they lack a genuine love and concern for men. Unless man becomes the object of our affection we cannot possibly become a servant of men.
Serving and loving men is quite difficult to do. We have the tendency to focus more on the time being spent on the service, the methods and programs we are setting in place, personal achievements being made rather than genuinely caring for the ones we are serving.
I think in my sphere of service (mwg, district, sector and even LNP as a whole) it is easier to say that I genuinely love and care for the bros and sisters. It is in the service of 'other' men that I know I would need more work on. I am the type of person that is quite reserved and aloof at first and only warms up when I get to know a person well enough. So this applies to me as a reminder to be passionate about men as Christ is. To learn to prioritize genuine love and compassion for others in my actions and service.
2. The question of great importance is " How Can we truly serve and love others as Christ does?"
To rephrase it " How can I truly serve and love others as Christ does?" I can only do this when I admit to myself that I am myself unworthy of the love of Christ. And in spite of my unworthiness He suffered and died for me because He loved me. The same way I must love and serve others in spite of their own unworthiness or shortcomings. I am only a recipient of God's love, I did not deserve it or am I entitled to it so it should not be difficult to give that same love and care to others.
3. Of course there are some people or groups of people that I dislike or not in my area of interest or concern.
What is this chapter saying about how God sees them? God sees them with great love and concern just like He does with me. How should I consider them? I should consider them as my brothers and sisters, worthy of God's love and salvation and a desire to share the love of God with them,
4. The new mindset needed for me to embrace in order to take on the leadership challenge is one of humility and servanthood. By being humble, I must never think of myself as superior to others and should always be willing to admit my mistakes and weaknesses. Instead of seeking power and recognition, I must learn to serve others selflessly and willingly. Putting their need before my own and actively seeking opportunities to help and support them.
Quote from Gary Bogarin on April 28, 2024, 6:18 pma. Watchman Nee emphasized that the serious trouble with many engaged in Christian work is that they lack a genuine love and concern for men. Unless man becomes the object of our affection we cannot possibly become a servant of men.
Serving and loving men is quite difficult to do. We have the tendency to focus more on the time being spent on the service, the methods and programs we are setting in place, personal achievements being made rather than genuinely caring for the ones we are serving.
I think in my sphere of service (mwg, district, sector and even LNP as a whole) it is easier to say that I genuinely love and care for the bros and sisters. It is in the service of 'other' men that I know I would need more work on. I am the type of person that is quite reserved and aloof at first and only warms up when I get to know a person well enough. So this applies to me as a reminder to be passionate about men as Christ is. To learn to prioritize genuine love and compassion for others in my actions and service.
2. The question of great importance is " How Can we truly serve and love others as Christ does?"
To rephrase it " How can I truly serve and love others as Christ does?" I can only do this when I admit to myself that I am myself unworthy of the love of Christ. And in spite of my unworthiness He suffered and died for me because He loved me. The same way I must love and serve others in spite of their own unworthiness or shortcomings. I am only a recipient of God's love, I did not deserve it or am I entitled to it so it should not be difficult to give that same love and care to others.
3. Of course there are some people or groups of people that I dislike or not in my area of interest or concern.
What is this chapter saying about how God sees them? God sees them with great love and concern just like He does with me. How should I consider them? I should consider them as my brothers and sisters, worthy of God's love and salvation and a desire to share the love of God with them,
4. The new mindset needed for me to embrace in order to take on the leadership challenge is one of humility and servanthood. By being humble, I must never think of myself as superior to others and should always be willing to admit my mistakes and weaknesses. Instead of seeking power and recognition, I must learn to serve others selflessly and willingly. Putting their need before my own and actively seeking opportunities to help and support them.
Thanks for your reflection Bro Gary. Pretty much the same for you and myself. I believe the core of what you’re saying is that if God could hound us, love us and continue to be with us, despite our quirks, shortcomings and sins, then we should do likewise. Admittedly, it could be difficult. We should look upon the Lord and His goodness to give us the courage and be encouraged to follow His way especially when we are faced with people that are challenging in our eyes.
Quote from Gani Custodio on May 27, 2024, 9:31 pm
- Serious trouble are the following:
(a) their lack of love for man,
(b) their lack of esteem for man,
(c) their failure to realize the value of man in God’s sightOne that struck me more is the "failure to realize the value of man in God's sight"
Dahil sa impairness or emotional, nagiging judgmental o mapag-husga
- What is the question of great importance? How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?
He was so interested that He Himself became man. To what extent are you interested?
Rephrasing it --- Am I loving others as He loved me? Am I making steps to let others experience the LOVE?- Are there people (individuals or groups of people) whom you dislike or disdain or despise? or whom you are indifferent about (not in a negative sense, but just not in your area of interest or concern)? What is this chapter saying about how God sees them, and how you should thus consider them?
Umpisa pa lang nun chapter, meron na po! He was a bossing in our company (wala na po sya ngayon). Even though he treated me like that, I continued to respect and send him encouraging words, "Kumusta bossing, nag-lunch ka na ba?" I even said that I was praying for him when he was on an OB trip.- Watchman Nee refers to the parables in Luke 15, about forsaking all in order to seek the one lost sheep, the one lost coin, the one lost son. What new mindset would you personally need to embrace in order to take on this leadership challenge by Watchman Nee? How do you reconcile this with your current service role and calling in Ligaya?
I know I am still a work in progress on this "forsaking all" kasi within the community setting hindi mahirap magparaya or mai-apply yun sinabi ko nun una --- Am I loving others as He loved me? Am I making steps to let others experience the LOVE?
Kapag nasa labas na or out of sight ng Ligaya, nandyan mag-init ang ulo ko sa taong naka-motor or ng ibang driver at halos masagi ako habang nagda-drive (paano nga kaya kung taga partners in mission yun nasa kabila at nagmamadali pala talaga).
Sa community environ naman, I am reminded to understand and empathize with my brothers who are struggling in living out our community way of life
Agree with you. We should focus on your para phrase question of “are we loving others as God loves us” . Nakakainis talaga kapag iisasahin natin yun Mga characteristics ng Mga tao. Pero maybe Ganuun din tayo Kay Lord, nakakainis tayo kasi pasaway but God Loves us just the same and continues to hound us to be with Him despite our often wayward ways. Salamat bro.
Quote from Jordan Echague on April 30, 2024, 8:33 amQuote from Eddie on April 13, 2024, 2:28 pmDear Brothers,
Here is Chapter 3, "A Lover of Men" by Watchman Nee. This chapter, like the rest of his series, is very important; but may I give you fair warning: Not only is the writing style of Watchman quite dense, in this case it also is quite abstract. You'll need to read it 3 or 4 times at least. However his message is quite valuable and challenging; may his iron sharpen our irons, brothers!!
I'm posting here two versions: (a) unmarked version; (b) annotated with my markings and reflection guide. You may read and study whichever version you feel comfortable with.
For your assignment, kindly share your answers to the following questions in the Discussion Forum, as we did in the last chapter.
- According to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work"? How does this apply to you?
- What is the question of great importance? How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?
- Are there people (individuals or groups of people) whom you dislike or disdain or despise? or whom you are indifferent about (not in a negative sense, but just not in your area of interest or concern)? What is this chapter saying about how God sees them, and how you should thus consider them?
- Watchman Nee refers to the parables in Luke 15, about forsaking all in order to seek the one lost sheep, the one lost coin, the one lost son. What new mindset would you personally need to embrace in order to take on this leadership challenge by Watchman Nee? How do you reconcile this with your current service role and calling in Ligaya?
God bless you.
1. "A serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work is their lack of love for man, their lack of esteem for man, their failure to realize the value of man in God’s sight."
Watchman Nee describes "Man" as all of mankind and that all of man are equally valuable in the eyes of God.
I'm particularly affected by this chapter because of my tendency to dissociate myself from those who may hurt me, harm me, or who may influence me negatively. This was the key to my change of heart which enabled my "kairos moment". That I distance myself from persons who are unhealthy for my soul.
Yet in this chapter, I'm told to hold them dear to me as part of my Christian duties. Such a difficult and humbling predicament for me.
By God's grace, I may be humbled even more and approach servanthood with an open heart, especially to those who need God's light shined upon them through our actions.
2. "No doubt you are interested in a few particularly intelligent people, a few who in one way or another are outstanding; but what I want to know is not if you are interested in men of unusual measure, but if you are interested in man.
This question is one of great importance."
If I paraphrase this question, it would come out to something like this:
"Will you serve not only those who provide value to you and your life, but also those who may bring burden and plight to you and those around you?"
These two types of people are the ends of a spectrum in my list of people to care for. On one end are people who bring me growth, inspiration, and convenience, while the other end are those who weigh me down and change my life's pace from quick to slow.
3. Immediately what comes to my mind is my disappointment and belittling of the less fortunate and uneducated. After the last presidential election, my heart was broken apart by how the masses disregarded our concern for them & decided to spite the middle class by putting into power someone unfavored by the educated mind.
I felt exhausted and defeated off the bat. Right now there is a numb indifference that I cannot seem to recover from.
Another group of people that I seem to ignore are those unwilling to listen and those with closed minds.
I feel that my efforts are in vain when dealing with these people and so I adjust the intensity of my approach.
My service in community deals with the children of community members, much of whom prefer to live a life undisturbed. And I value them very much because I understand what they're going through since I was came from the same background. I believe that I desire intensely to bring them closer to God as I want to share the joy of being God's beloved.
However, there are LNP members who I perceive with questionable motives for their membership. These people I find apathetic to our way of life or just with us for networking, maybe material gain. And these people, I tend to ignore and I seem to protect myself from them.
Now I ask myself these questions, "Can I love and treat all those I serve with the same intensity and fervor? Am I able to see my brethren as valuable and worthy of the little time I spend in service?"
This chapter has opened my heart a bit to the harsh reality that I am a hypocritical servant, selfish and arrogant. And I ask for prayers that I may relearn to love "the angry mob" just as our Lord Jesus did, with a sincere heart.
God sees all of us equally valuable and worthy of His love. This is what I dream to achieve by His grace, that I may see others in high regard amidst the decisions they make and the situations that they are in.
4. This chapter charges me to widen my capacity to love. My horizon of service should stretch out to all those within God's loving embrace.
Brothers, please pray that I may find a catharsis of sorts that will enable me to forgive those who have hurt me and a renewed desire to served those whom I called to serve.
Hello Jordan. It was refreshing and inspiring To read your reflection because it is so candid. What an awakening indeed to be asked to search for, associate with and bring back those who may have been part of your going astray. Those you have avoided so you can be back on track. It would be confusing and difficult indeed especially when we look at “ourselves” to accomplish this task. But as you were given your kairos moment to renew, I believe that you’ve been given much courage and faith to resist being led astray again. Maybe too, you can be that channel of God’s grace to these people.l to have their own kairos moment. I too lost faith in the Filipino during the last election, but we must move on and continue to trust bec we trust not only in our countrymen but most especially in our all knowing God whose plans are a mystery to us but always for us to prosper. We can only love men by the grace of the One who loves all.
Quote from Joseph Henson on May 23, 2024, 2:07 am
- According to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work"? How does this apply to you?
To paraphrase, the serious trouble for many Christians is that we may love SOME men (especially fellow Christians), but we do not love ALL men just as Christ did. This “serious trouble” applies very much to me as I even struggle with consistently loving even those I find easy to love. How much more is the struggle with those that are not lovable (explained further in my response to question # 3). Also, I have a flawed tendency to think that if I’m doing a service that benefits a collective group of people (just as I work for a development organization for the common good), this is my way of loving all in the group and I get to avoid or be exempted from having to encounter the individuals within the group. Hence, I would need a Savior to get me out of this “serious trouble” since loving all men will require His grace.
- What is the question of great importance? How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?
The question of great importance is “to what extent are you interested in Man?” If I was to rephrase it for myself, it can be “am I sufficiently reaching out, deepening the relationship, and working for the good of all the people I encounter and those the Lord calls me to encounter?” Again, my answer would be “not enough”. I do have a tendency to keep to myself and my comfortable relationships. I believe stretching myself to go beyond this comfort zone is a challenge the Lord is asking me to do.
- Are there people (individuals or groups of people) whom you dislike or disdain or despise? or whom you are indifferent about (not in a negative sense, but just not in your area of interest or concern)? What is this chapter saying about how God sees them, and how you should thus consider them?
Given my past, I am triggered by bullies, especially those who abuse their authority at the expense of the powerless. I have a tendency to be indifferent to those who are materially comfortable, since I cannot relate to them and feel that they do not “need” me as well (and there are a lot in community who fit this description). The chapter challenges me to rethink my attitude towards these groups of people and be more conscious about how I relate to them, and imitate Christ in loving them. I may need to pray more when I witness bully behavior to manage my emotions, and think of the best way to understand and/or correct (as this may be what’s best for them) instead of avoiding them. As for the materially comfortable, I may need to reframe my thinking of “social classes should flock together”. I think there is still value in serving in Tahanan Ng Panginoon given our common experiences. However, I should remember that I can be a good, loving and close brother to anyone regardless of social class.
- Watchman Nee refers to the parables in Luke 15, about forsaking all in order to seek the one lost sheep, the one lost coin, the one lost son. What new mindset would you personally need to embrace in order to take on this leadership challenge by Watchman Nee? How do you reconcile this with your current service role and calling in Ligaya?
This is indeed a challenge as I have a tendency to devote 80% of my MG service time to serve the active brothers in my MG since they may bear the most “fruit” while only devoting 20% of my service time to inactive or less active ones. Watchman Nee reminds me that I was once also a lost sheep that needed saving, but more importantly, God sees each man as important enough for Him to sacrifice Himself for that man’s salvation…and He is calling us to do the same. I need to take a mindset of “love” – willing the good of the other, wherein someone’s salvation is more important than my convenience. So if the Lord is calling me to help bring someone back to Him for his salvation and ultimate good (e.g. I have an inactive member who may have given up on God), I should be willing to die to my preferences and reach out to him, even if I do not see the immediate fruit. This way, I can grow to love man better.
I admire your humility in seeing your flaws : " I even struggle with consistently loving even those I find easy to love. How much more is the struggle with those that are not lovable (explained further in my response to question ? I have similar personal struggle when there are times that I look for those who I know are friendly to me .. This limits you and me in loving every man that comes our way
in the way that our Lord Jesus loves the man.
Lord fill us with your Spirit that we may love all those you have brought to our path.
Quote from Gary Cabalde on May 21, 2024, 10:25 pm
- According to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work"? How does this apply to you?
The serious trouble with the Christian workers is when we fail to see the ultimate reason why we are engaged in the mission work in the first place....to be like Jesus to many! Guilty as I write my response to this question as admittedly, I've been "selective" with people whom I serve in my many years in the mission. I failed to see men as the men whom Jesus Christ loves, to the point of becoming like one and then died on the cross just to redeem us from our sure death.
What is the question of great importance? How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?
The question of great importance is whether I see men the way that Jesus Christ passionately looks at them to the point of becoming one of us (except sin). Answer: Hindi
As I write my reply to this question, a doubt came to mind: "Am I ready to accept men the way that Jesus Christ loves us; that is all out and unconditional? People in the community may be easy but outside that is where the challenge begins. Handa ba talaga ako sa ganitong mission? Or am I being pruned by the Lord to become more radical in this mission?
Are there people (individuals or groups of people) whom you dislike or disdain or despise? or whom you are indifferent about (not in a negative sense, but just not in your area of interest or concern)? What is this chapter saying about how God sees them, and how you should thus consider them?
Plenty of people definitely. Somehow I feel guilty as recently I assumed the post of heading the HR dept for almost a thousand souls (on top of my role as a CFO). I get tired, I get frustrated. I would say as a CFO, numbers would not complain nor react. You get what you see in your results. But with HR, I encounter frustrations almost every day. I want to help but I normally do it not in the eyes of the Lord, as lovers of men. Although I wear the hat of being a disciple on mission, a member of LNP community in my work (being compassionate with others) but the fact that I get frustrated (inis) and tired with men, I believe I need to do more on this area.
Watchman Nee refers to the parables in Luke 15, about forsaking all in order to seek the one lost sheep, the one lost coin, the one lost son. What new mindset would you personally need to embrace in order to take on this leadership challenge by Watchman Nee? How do you reconcile this with your current service role and calling in Ligaya?
That's the question I have in mind now: Am i ready to forsake all in order to seek the one lost sheep, the one lost coin? Do I carry the attitude of "one soul at a time for Jesus" in bringing the good news to others? I need to pray more to have a heart and mind to accept men the way Jesus does.
For us in LNP is easy since we all share a homogenous way of life. It is in the mission outside our "comfort zone" where the real battle happens ie. In our family, in our workplace, etc. that i need to have a change of heart and mind with the mission of sharing Jesus as a ransom for many from our sins and assured death.
I also agree with your reflection :"It is in the mission outside our "comfort zone" where the real battle happens ie. In our family, in our workplace, etc. that i need to have a change of heart and mind with the mission of sharing Jesus as a ransom for many from our sins and assured death.
Our difficulty and imperfections even within our Ligaya circles will always be there.
However , the call to share Christ's love to others ; family, Officemates and friends, . amidst the said challenges should still be accomplished.
Lord, grant us the grace to be lovers of men especially to those out side our usual circle of friends.
Quote from Von Cassanova on May 24, 2024, 9:52 amAccording to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work"? How does this apply to you?
This lack of love for man that Nee mentioned is true. In the country like us where majority of the people are baptized Christians. This lack of love for man is clearly seen in our society. We are one of the most corrupt country now in this part of the world and many of the Christian workers chose to be silent. I am so happy that our community Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon had the courage to stand and speak for what is right last election. Mahirap ipikit ang mata sa pagdadasal sa Diyos kung nadidinig mo ang iyak ng mga tao na naghihirap at pinapatay.
As Christian worker, I am doing my best to open my heart to all people from all walks of life like St. Theresa of Calcutta.
What is the question of great importance? How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?
How do I serve and love my brethren the way the Lord loves mankind.
Are there people (individuals or groups of people) whom you dislike or disdain or despise? or whom you are indifferent about (not in a negative sense, but just not in your area of interest or concern)? What is this chapter saying about how God sees them, and how you should thus consider them?
It is normal in this world to encounter people who we are indifferent to, but the Lord is telling us to love unconditionally. We have to embrace and put into action the example Lord gave us. It is not easy but thru the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit we can overcome.
Watchman Nee refers to the parables in Luke 15, about forsaking all in order to seek the one lost sheep, the one lost coin, the one lost son. What new mindset would you personally need to embrace in order to take on this leadership challenge by Watchman Nee? How do you reconcile this with your current service role and calling in Ligaya?
As Pastoral leader it is always a big challenge to lead my men's group. They have different struggles in their Christian life and I need to be with them in this journey of faith. Mahalaga ang bawat isa. I need to be involved also with the spiritual life of my family especially my children.
It is not a coincidence that you mentioned " Bawat isa ay mahalaga". This is also something that for the past week has been resonating in my mind. This phrase becomes powerful , when we look at how Jesus dies for each man. And if we will have this disposition which is what Watchman Nee also teaches, and with the grace of God, I am confident that we can all make a difference in this world.
Quote from James Labayo on April 29, 2024, 8:18 pmAccording to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work"? How does this apply to you?
The serious trouble is the lack of love for man.
For me this is partly true. All men have the capacity to love mankind but because of culture, family practices, media and preference, we tend to specialize in loving certain groups of people. One needs the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s love to men.
Another insight that I have is when Christian work becomes “work”. It becomes professionalized, strategized and target focused. One example is when one becomes an evangelizer of couples. Unconsciously, he just looks at the state of spouses since that is his “calling”. This may lead to lack of focus on the students, household helps or poor in society.
Personally, I try to be mindful of the people around me all the time. One flaw that I have is I look for people that I can help. This attitude veers me away from some people like the accomplished and capable people. Through this chapter, I realized I should expand more in terms of loving all men especially those outside community.
What is the question of great importance? How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?
To what extent are you interested?
I will rephrase it like this: How much do you love Me? This question pushes me to love like He does, to take care of His people and see His face in everyone.
Are there people (individuals or groups of people) whom you dislike or disdain or despise? or whom you are indifferent about (not in a negative sense, but just not in your area of interest or concern)? What is this chapter saying about how God sees them, and how you should thus consider them?
I do not like people who uses and mistreats other people. As stated above, I am indifferent with accomplished and capable people.
God is the only one who is righteous. I should consider them through the merciful heart of Jesus. To be able to do that, I usually lift up to the Lord the specific negative feelings that I have. I pray that He takes it away from me to allow me to focus on His desire for these people.
Watchman Nee refers to the parables in Luke 15, about forsaking all in order to seek the one lost sheep, the one lost coin, the one lost son. What new mindset would you personally need to embrace in order to take on this leadership challenge by Watchman Nee? How do you reconcile this with your current service role and calling in Ligaya?
“Forsaking all” is a heavy task to follow. One needs faith, clarity of mind and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to be able to identify the lost sheep. This goes back to the previous point that we all need to love all men no matter the cost (e.g. convenience, preference, comfort zone or livelihood).
To reconcile, I need to go out of my preference and comfort zone. To be more involved and aware of each person within and outside my care. Hopefully, I would be able to see everyone through the eyes of Jesus with grace and mercy.
Hi bro.
I agree with you that we all have the capacity to love. It is our nature to love. It the world that teaches us the need to put up walls that make us to act and behave opposite to our true nature. What should be very natural to us becomes work. Likewise, our intentions, albeit good and well meaning, become biases by itself. Thank you for reminding me of this. I will be on the lookout and recognize this blind spot.
I pray that the the Lord will give us the grace to love unconditionally.
God bless.
Henry