Quote from Erick Flores on June 13, 2024, 2:47 am

Quote from Jordan Echague on April 30, 2024, 8:33 am

Quote from Eddie on April 13, 2024, 2:28 pm

Dear 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.

1. According to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work"?  How does this apply to you?
2. What is the question of great importance?  How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?
3. 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?
4. 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.

Brother Jordan,

Here is what I learned from you:

a. Loving men is allowing ourselves, by God’s grace and our humility, to become vulnerable as we embrace all men to love and serve them.

b. We are asked to love not only those men we benefit from but also those whom we perceive to be burdensome.

c. We are all called to love others and, by grace, see the value that God sees in them as God reveals Himself on how He values me.

Praying for you bro for your desire to love and forgive. The Lord has revealed to you what He desires you to do. May you be filled with grace, humility and courage to obey His will. God bless you brother!

Quote from Erick Flores on June 13, 2024, 2:48 am

Quote from Joseph Henson on May 23, 2024, 2:07 am

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.  

4. 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.

Brother Joseph,

Here is what I learned from you:

a. Loving all men as Jesus loved us will require much grace from God. And I would like to attach here God’s message to Melmarx from our recent Sectoral Assembly, “Be not afraid, do not be discouraged!” We all need a Saviour. We also need true humility and obedience to do His will.

b. We can be a good, loving and a close brother to all regardless of social class and effects of past hurts by imitating how Christ loves us.

c. Our mindset of “love” will motivate us to give more to the lost, especially, the one we care for pastorally.

Praying for your heart’s desire for your member to bear good fruits, bro. And the same heart to be grace-filled in recognizing that everything works for good in God’s hands. God bless!

Quote from Erick Flores on June 13, 2024, 3:21 am

Quote from Gani Custodio on May 27, 2024, 9:31 pm

1. 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 sight

   One 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

2. 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?
3. 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.
4. 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
   

Kuya Gani,

Here is what I learned from you:

a. We fail to realize the value of man in God’s sight because of our human flaws. We become judgemental.

b. We can love all men by being bearers of the love of Jesus for men. Simple acts of love is doable even to those whom we dislike.

c. Our ability to “forsake all” in order to seek the lost is a work in progress. Seeing the value of man in God’s sight can be in the form of emphatizing with brothers struggling to live the community way of life.

Praying that the Lord will continue to fill you with His grace as you serve Him with humility and obedience. And that He will bless your heart with discernment as you emphatize with brothers and sisters.

Quote from Johnny Yu on June 17, 2024, 2:08 pm

Quote from Alan Santos on May 6, 2024, 6:16 pm

1. 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.
2. 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. 
3. 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.
4. 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. 

After reading the comments (very honest) of the other brothers, because of our human nature, it's really difficult to measure up on the immeasurable love of God for mankind compared to how we manifest or extend our kind of love for men, most to our chosen peers.  The reading is really a good reminder and reflection on how we ought to love our brethren, not for selected few but regardless of circumstances.  It is indeed by God's grace that we will able to do this, just like how we were loved before by others thru God's grace. - johnny

 

Quote from Henry Salim on June 18, 2024, 8:47 am

Quote from Alex Filamor on April 29, 2024, 10:40 pm

1. There are 3 serious troubles that Watchman Nee pointed out who are engaged in Christian work.
   1. Lack of love for man – it is not that I fall short on this but it’s the way I love a person … it's easy to love others if you receive respect and love also.
   2. Lack of esteem for a man – easily I judge people on the outcome or result of what they are doing based on their personality
   3. Failure to realize the value of man in God’s sight – this is the area that still a work in progress for me, I should be always be reminded that ALL men are created equal in the eyes of the LORD
2. The great importance = How can you serve others wholeheartedly? It is by humbly accepting that you cannot do ALL things without God’s grace. Sometimes it crosses my mind that because of my skills, talents, and abilities, the things that I am doing is only because that’s who am I. Neglecting that ALL of those come from the LORD.
3. Yes, there are people or groups of people that I don’t like, simply because they don’t have value to me or interest.

Watchman Nee, said it clearly that God created ALL men equal and sees every man important in His eyes. This chapter emphasizes the importance of accepting brothers and sisters in our midst with due respect, accepting them who they are, and serve or treat them equally.

4. The new mindset that has taught me in this chapter is to put the concern of others before mine. Serve with full humility. Always seek God’s grace in all that you do. Be a Servant Leader.

Hi Alex,

Thank you for allowing us to know your thoughts. There are two points in what you shared that struck something in me.

1. To love unconditionally is truly very hard. We always guard ourselves from not loving but we fail to catch ourselves from being indifferent.  There really are people that are hard to love.  In our effort not to hate them, we just put them in a zone where they cannot affect us. We are reminded to lean in to this difficulty.  To love even those that are difficult to love

2. Our talents and skills are all gifts from God.  You have reminded me that we are mere tools in His hands.  What we do or accomplish is because of how He wields us not because of who we are.  It is only by His grace are we able to do anything.

I pray that the Holy Spirit gives us the grace to follow Jesus example on how to love.

God bless.

Quote from Alan Santos on June 19, 2024, 10:56 am

Quote from Erick Flores on May 6, 2024, 10:52 pm

1. According to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work"? How does this apply to you?

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.

Our imperfections on loving man definitely roots from sin and probably varies in expression from the way we were raised or influenced growing up.

Growing up, I have experienced my father accommodate guests in our house from many different backgrounds which he would reveal to me privately by the time the guests left our house. We have nothing to offer but my father’s word of advice and instant coffee. Papa does the talking, me and my siblings do the serving. Being young and childish made me dislike people not because of who or what they are but because of the inconvenience they bring to me.

Growing in relationship with Jesus, I came to know that loving others is imitating the generosity of the Good Samaritan in restoring the well being of a stranger. Even if it causes discomfort, inconvenience or sacrifice on our part. I, myself, have benefited a lot from the Good Samaritans along this life’s journey.

I agree with Watchman Nee that the failure of realizing the value of man in God’s sight is where the trouble starts. I need Jesus to see others as the Father sees them. It is only through grace that we can love, serve and lay down our lives for our fellow men in accordance to God’s will.

“For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mk. 10:45).

2. What is the question of great importance? How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?

The question of great importance:
“What I want to know is not if you are interested in men of unusual measure, but if you are interested in MAN?”

Rephrase to myself:
What comes into my mind is, “Can I love and give to others without counting the cost?”

It seems easy and comforting to love someone because I recognize God in them and see the heavenly benefit as mentioned in Matthew 25:40,

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

But it is hard and impossible when I cannot see God in that person because his deeds and choices does not manifest God’s presence. Being human, it is impossible but in Christ nothing is impossible.

3. 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?

Yes. It is not hard to dislike another person whose sin and injustice we witness to have negatively affected many others. It is also not easy to love a person you have a broken relationship with.

But we know the teachings, “Love the sinner, hate the sin.” I experienced being accepted despite of my sins and imperfections.

We know Jesus’ command, “Love your enemy.”

I know that God loves them as He loves me. I also know that Jesus wants to save them and me. If God calls me for this purpose, He will enable me to accomplish it according to His will.

4. 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?

New mindset:
“His (God’s) workmen are servants of men who count it their joy to minister to their fellows (all mankind).”

Such is the joy of the Good Shepherd who found the lost sheep, the joy of the woman who found the lost coin and the joy of the father who welcomed his lost son.

We are Ligaya ng Panginoon (Joy of the Lord). We forsake all and take on the perseverance of the Good Shepherd, the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and the loving embrace of the Father to seek the lost, Ligaya and non-Ligaya fellow men.

Thank you Erick for your eye opening and inspiring reflections. I am still a work-in-progress and continue to struggle with loving all men but with brothers like you, I continue to place my hope and trust in the Lord. My key intakes:

1. Persevere in all things
2. With God, nothing is impossible
3. Love all men
4. Forsake all to seek the Lord

Quote from Alan Santos on June 19, 2024, 11:25 am

Quote from Jorel Mateo on May 4, 2024, 4:58 pm

For your assignment, kindly share your answers to the following questions in the Discussion Forum, as we did in the last chapter.

1. According to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious troublewith many who are engaged in Christian work"?  How does this apply to you?

The serious trouble being referred to is the selective love or loving just a few among everyone in your group or Everyone.  Being involved in Christian work, We fall into the trap into thinking that we are okay and somehow ahead of others already. We are happy to say to ourselves that we are doing a good job, doing good service to fellow men in need, and get clouded that it’s enough already.

Before reading this article, I was into that zone.  I was coasting along, thinking that I’m more than average, and that I should just take it easy and not do anything bad. 

After reading this, I realized, that I’m just starting.  And that there is really a universe still to learn, do and understand.  Thanks to eye openers like this.

 

2. What is the question of great importance?  How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?

I believe the question to ask ourselves is

How did the Lord have the ability to love ALL MEN? 

And How can I do the same?

 

3. 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?

• Competitors in Business
• Certain people in Government
• People who have hurt me

That God will give them grace to change their hearts and be better persons than they were before.

That God gives me more grace to learn to understand and to love them instead of despising them.  More difficult to do than say it.  Lord help me.

 

4. Watchman Nee refers to the parables in Luke 15, about forsaking allin 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?

All should be loved. 

In my role as a PL particularly, all those that I pastor should be given more patience, love and attention.  No ifs no buts.

I take it negatively when I feel that I’m not given any importance or does not reply to my messages or calls.

In this article, I am being taught to just continue with the work giving more importance to the assignment given by the Lord to help others go closer to Him.  And not concentrate on my own feelings and ego.

Thank you Jorel for your reflections. Apart from asking God to change the people whom we dislike or who have offended us, let us also ask God to use us so that we can be a good example to these people. With grace and humility let us continue to strive to love all men. Lord change us, embolden us! 

Quote from Alan Santos on June 19, 2024, 11:46 am

Quote from Gary Mercado on June 9, 2024, 4:20 pm

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Thank you Gary for your reflections. I, in many instances, fall into similar situations, being too critical, indifferent, easy to criticize, impatient, and the list goes on. Mahirap but with God's grace, I continue to persevere.

I thank God for my brothers, like you, who continue to depend and trust in our Lord. Quoting from Phils:1:9-10
"And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight, to help you determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless"

Quote from Brien Myles Villamiel on June 20, 2024, 11:23 pm

Quote from Alex Filamor on April 29, 2024, 10:40 pm

1. There are 3 serious troubles that Watchman Nee pointed out who are engaged in Christian work.
   1. Lack of love for man – it is not that I fall short on this but it’s the way I love a person … it's easy to love others if you receive respect and love also.
   2. Lack of esteem for a man – easily I judge people on the outcome or result of what they are doing based on their personality
   3. Failure to realize the value of man in God’s sight – this is the area that still a work in progress for me, I should be always be reminded that ALL men are created equal in the eyes of the LORD
2. The great importance = How can you serve others wholeheartedly? It is by humbly accepting that you cannot do ALL things without God’s grace. Sometimes it crosses my mind that because of my skills, talents, and abilities, the things that I am doing is only because that’s who am I. Neglecting that ALL of those come from the LORD.
3. Yes, there are people or groups of people that I don’t like, simply because they don’t have value to me or interest.

Watchman Nee, said it clearly that God created ALL men equal and sees every man important in His eyes. This chapter emphasizes the importance of accepting brothers and sisters in our midst with due respect, accepting them who they are, and serve or treat them equally.

4. The new mindset that has taught me in this chapter is to put the concern of others before mine. Serve with full humility. Always seek God’s grace in all that you do. Be a Servant Leader.

Thank you bro for being truthful and vulnerable... by understanding your whys, it will help us re-direct ourselves in serving one another as the Lord desires... a service rooted in love, just as He loved us.

Hindi madali ang magpaka-totoo, don't worry... hindi ka nag-iisa. Lahat tayo may-toyo at sabay-sabay tayo tatahak sa landas na ito dahil sa pagmamahal ni Hesus sa atin. KKBBH(B)

Quote from Brien Myles Villamiel on June 20, 2024, 11:31 pm

Quote from Jordan Echague on April 30, 2024, 8:33 am

Quote from Eddie on April 13, 2024, 2:28 pm

 

Dear 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.

1. According to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work"?  How does this apply to you?
2. What is the question of great importance?  How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?
3. 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?
4. 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.

sabi ng isang kanta ni Ben & Ben, "Di ka sayang"... and am sure in Heaven's eyes, you are loved bro! 

as the song goes...

Di ka sayang, di kailangan manghinayang.
Di ka sayang, di kailangang patunayan.
Sarili ay mahalaga; kahit pa anong tingin nila, Tanggap kita! 

imagine the Lord saying this to you.

Remember that while we were sinners, He still loved us... and we are called to spread this love to others. Will be praying for you bro, as we journey together.

Quote from Brien Myles Villamiel on June 20, 2024, 11:41 pm

Quote from Henry Salim on May 1, 2024, 3:34 pm

1.     According to Watchman Nee, what is the serious trouble with many (presumably ourselves) who are engaged in Christian work? How does this apply to you?

 

We get into trouble because we have a tendency to see the world as us and them. I think it is human nature to form associations with those who they have something in common.  It is easier for us to be with people who share similar interests, who come from similar backgrounds.  The more points of congruence, the more comfortable we feel. As a result, we tend to limit our work within these circles. When there are instances when we are called to go out of these circles, we do so out of obedience but we never really feel we belong. We finish our tasks and hurry back to who we percieve as our people.

 

2.     What is the question of great importance? How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?

 

Are we interested in a particular group of men or are we interested in man? Obviously , I am callled to love more. I am not only called to love the present set of people that is before me but to continue to expand this set to include the people that God send my way. The effort is to expand and not to limit my love and involvement.

 

3.     Are there people (individuals or groups of people) whom you dislike or disdain or despise? What about those 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 chapter reminded me that our people is the whole of mankind. We are called to be good companions not only to people who we think we share common ground but also to people who are different from us. I am again brought back to the truth that we all are sinners that are saved not by our own individual merit but by the love of our God. He is loves us individually and we are all in a personal way very special to Him. If I am to work for God I should be ready to serve and be with whoever He send my way and not just a selected group.  I should see everybody equally  as sons and daughters of God and not see bounderies that divides and categorizes us.

 

4.     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 adopt in order to embrace this calling?

 

We should be on the look out for outliers, those in the fringes, those that need help. It is easier not to see them. Seeing them would entail a personal cost to us. A cost that we could have avoided paying if we just looked the other way and focused on the 99 sheep. A cost that we are asked to pay if we are to be working for our Lord.

 

I agree bro... ang hirap if we keep on holding to the perspective of "us and them". This perspective robs us of seeing that we are one with all men (& women)... born equally as children, siblings, of the Father on High. I do understand the struggle, the challenge of looking beyond our differences & uniqueness, of treating everyone how we want to be treated when the world is trying to blur our oneness in the Lord.

But this is where Grace comes in... sabi nga not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord.

I thank the Lord that I walk in the footsteps of those who have walked ahead of me while walking with fellow servants as I try to leave a path for others to follow.

Hindi ka nag-iisa bro... lalo na sya, He's always there before us, beside us and behind us... encouraging us to continue walking the journey set before us.

Quote from Joseph Henson on June 21, 2024, 6:54 pm

Quote from Jorel Mateo on May 4, 2024, 4:58 pm

For your assignment, kindly share your answers to the following questions in the Discussion Forum, as we did in the last chapter.

1. According to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious troublewith many who are engaged in Christian work"?  How does this apply to you?

The serious trouble being referred to is the selective love or loving just a few among everyone in your group or Everyone.  Being involved in Christian work, We fall into the trap into thinking that we are okay and somehow ahead of others already. We are happy to say to ourselves that we are doing a good job, doing good service to fellow men in need, and get clouded that it’s enough already.

Before reading this article, I was into that zone.  I was coasting along, thinking that I’m more than average, and that I should just take it easy and not do anything bad. 

After reading this, I realized, that I’m just starting.  And that there is really a universe still to learn, do and understand.  Thanks to eye openers like this.

 

2. What is the question of great importance?  How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?

I believe the question to ask ourselves is

How did the Lord have the ability to love ALL MEN? 

And How can I do the same?

 

3. 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?

• Competitors in Business
• Certain people in Government
• People who have hurt me

That God will give them grace to change their hearts and be better persons than they were before.

That God gives me more grace to learn to understand and to love them instead of despising them.  More difficult to do than say it.  Lord help me.

 

4. Watchman Nee refers to the parables in Luke 15, about forsaking allin 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?

All should be loved. 

In my role as a PL particularly, all those that I pastor should be given more patience, love and attention.  No ifs no buts.

I take it negatively when I feel that I’m not given any importance or does not reply to my messages or calls.

In this article, I am being taught to just continue with the work giving more importance to the assignment given by the Lord to help others go closer to Him.  And not concentrate on my own feelings and ego.

Thanks, bro Jorel, for your reflections. The point that I can relate with right now is being complacent that I have already contributed something to the Lord because I have loved those He has "given" to me. This complacency or "pwede na" attitude means that I am not taking up His call to love everyone, not just those I was assigned to serve. From a practical perspective, it is good to prioritize those we have a direct responsibility on; however, from a faith perspective, I should trust that He also calls me to love everyone I encounter (and even those I may not have encountered yet but led by the Spirit) and would give me the grace to do so (no matter how stretched I may feel). To echo your words, bro, "Lord help me". 

Quote from Joseph Henson on June 21, 2024, 7:11 pm

Quote from Dennis Sulit on June 13, 2024, 2:02 am

1) According to Watchman Nee, the lack of love for man is the serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work.

In my role as a follower of Christ I can honestly say that I have been blessed and have felt the love of Christ especially in the context of community where we have a common understanding or way of life on how to love and serve God and one another.

But even with this covenant commitment that binds us together, much grace is needed to remain in love with our fellow BnS just in the mwg or district level. More so when we take on a leadership role senior leaders and become involved in sectoral or community wide activities.

It is only by His grace that I am able to remain in His love and in turn love my fellow brothers and sisters.

 

2) The question of great importance is if you are interested in MAN? For me this means do you love ALL MEN as you love your BnS in community? Do I live out our way of life outside of Ligaya - in my home, my work, my circles of influence, even to strangers?

This is a reminder and a challenge for me to remain a disciple on mission even if I step out of our mwg, community and outreach gatherings.

 

3) I do not have any particular person whom I dislike or despise and have developed a habit of praying for those who I perceive have committed heinous or despicable acts.

However, I do have tendency to be indifferent to some people who are challenging to deal with or whom I have strong difference of opinions with.

My indifference is a glaring sign of a lack of love and a clear need for more of God’s grace. I thank the Lord for bringing light to this dark area of my life and to continue to seek His grace and mercy to work on this matter.

 

4) The article reminds me that I too am a sinner with weakness and shortcomings but the Lord sees value in me and sought me out like the lost sheep and lost coin.

My mindset whenever I encounter difficult individuals or challenging situations is to remember that everyone precious is in God’s eyes and I should see their value as God sees them.

Jesus’s motive power was a passionate love for man. His boundless love allowed him to serve to even to death on the Cross.

If we are called to be servant leaders, we too are called to serve with same passionate love for all men, to bear this cross, to participate in Christ’s redemptive work.

God’s grace is sufficient and we should always pray that we remain in God’s grace to sustain us.

 

 

 

Thanks, bro Dennis. Aside from your reflections, I am also encouraged by your example in helping in a practical way as a doctor those who are referred to you as well as your heart for evangelization of anyone who comes through the door of Pathways.

I was struck by your reflection on "indifference" and it is indeed a tendency of mine not to be confrontational but to just not engage. It further prompted me to realize that my indifference is not just because I forgot or have other things to do, but also because I freely decided to become indifferent to some since I don't want the hassle of engaging as well as avoid any potential friction. However, since the Lord has put me in a situation with such persons, He may want me to encounter them even if it's inconvenient or even painful.

Thank you as well, bro, for reiterating that we cannot do this ourselves and we need God's grace. This is a comforting truth.

Quote from Joseph Henson on June 21, 2024, 7:40 pm

Quote from MarYo Galvez on May 21, 2024, 3:11 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 many engaged in Christian work according to Watchman Nee is not seeing value in people, not trusting them, not loving them.

Being in the field of development work forming leaders in rural communities (and now in the urban setting), I believe I have deep love for the people which was amplified even more when I entered community. But entering 25 years of being in this field, unfortunately, my “love for the people” has dwindled and can be seen in the following forms:

• I tend to play favorites with community leaders who are fast learners and become impatient with those who will need more guidance.
• I shy away from relating with local officials because typecasting – they pretend they need people’s opinion but they really are after their support. I usually tell my boss, “ako na bahala sa project implementation, ikaw na bahala sa pakikipag-deal sa powers that be.”
• I pass up opportunities to know more of the people we serve outside the formal meetings and trainings. Trabaho lang walang magaganap na personalang pagkakakilanlan.

What is the question of great importance?  How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?

I could not have phrased the question any better - To what extent are you interested? At first it does not seem to apply to me because of my field of work but digging into the word “interested” makes me reflect on the following:

•  How sincere is the interest? Being exposed to basic sectors (more known as poorest of the poor or disadvantaged groups) as program beneficiaries for over 2 decades, I have to admit that I my excitement sometimes lies more on the ways of innovating on programs and piloting new strategies to test my experience and knowledge. Kung ano ang personal stories behind the impact of the interventions – I leave it to my teammates – kasi it requires more effort and time and documentation (which I get bored easily with now).
•  Am I on autopilot mode? This is the scarier question. Kung nababawasan na ang aking excitement, service pa ba siyang matatawag or work na? A former colleague noticed that I am always in a rush mode (naiinip na sa meeting or nagmamadaling tapusin). Worse, she pointed out that I know have a “sungit mode” when I do real talk with the participants and pretend to teach them but in reality dictate how they should act as leaders.  
•  What was I made for? Copying the theme song of a blockbuster movie, and very timely with this present concern of mine, I am discerning on the role that the Lord is asking me to see, act and do in my field not only as a public servant but as His disciple.

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 I started working for a local government unit, I have realized that there are people:

• Who use people to get their way.
• Who can hide good intentions for personal benefits.
• Who are numb to the fact that people can see through them doing the above things.

So when I hear people talk about them, shy away from them or pretend to be with ok them, I begin to realize how lost they are and how much they are in need. They want to be involved in projects because they need attention which they cannot get it from their own barangay / community. They desire to be invited in events, because the recognition gives them confidence which might be the key for them to be contributing citizens. Sa daming ng hinihiling nila, baka ang hanap lang nila ay may magtrato sa kanila ng tama.

I remember one interaction with community leader who is very bright (he memorizes the senior citizen related laws) but is also very much disliked by many because he eat up time during open forums giving the government lecture on what it needs to do (kahit sinasabihan ko na mismo na times up na). I knew was not getting through to him. So when I noticed that he rotates around 2-3 shirts for every activity organized by the city, I thought of gathering my unused polo shirts to give to him. One day, I handed over the clothes and told him that I am not using them anymore and he could have it. In a succeeding activity, he approached me and proudly showed of one of my shirts. Then when it was his usual time to ask questions, he asked the question that he needed but without any lecture. It must be the shirt – sabi ko, sabi ng teammates ko.

Parang prodigal son pala – naghahanap ng pagtanggap ng kung anumang nawala sa kanya o winala niya. My officemates tell me he is abandoned already by his family kaya baka he needs that attention. He is a man who might not have seen intensity of love from a fellow man for a long time.  

Watchman Nee refers to the parables in Luke 15, about forsaking allin 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?

My mindset in seeking the lost, has been a review of what I have stood for before, but in need of prayers for more sincerity, consistency and action to do more (magis).  

• Lahat ay may pinanggagalingang oppression. People are in need because they feel they have less or lost access or right to something. I have to understand what it is and find the gaps or needs to be filled.
• Lahat ay may angking kakayanan. Filling the gaps and needs starts from them. Hindi lang siya basta nabibigay.
• Lahat ay may puwang para sa dasal. Man can only do so much. For everything that we cannot control, we live it up to prayer.  

I am applying these same principles / mindset as a pastoral leader – to understand the brothers under me, what they think their needs and how remind them how the Lord built them to fill these needs and leave room for much prayer and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

 

Thanks, bro for your reflections. It is always a delight to read your answers for you  have a gift to make it grounded, relatable and visual. Your personal anecdotes also hit home - interesting, relevant and proclaims the truth.

One area I can relate with is the tendencv to focus on the work without necessarily encountering the people that it was meant to serve. Unlike you, though, I have always valued tasks and outputs ever since. It is through community that the Lord is teaching me to love people and value relationships. So in your case, you are called to go back to how you were before in encountering people. I am called to keep on growing in this, and keep on keeping on.

May the Lord continue to use you, bro, to love His people.

Quote from Dom Hormigos on June 24, 2024, 7:02 am

This is a real experience of how our past shapes our perspective of serving and loving men. In the context of our own biases. Eric's point of view is real and happens to most of us. We remain bias in many situations. Thus the need to have that 180 change in mindset. 

 

 

Quote from Erick Flores on May 6, 2024, 10:52 pm

1. According to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work"? How does this apply to you?

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.

Our imperfections on loving man definitely roots from sin and probably varies in expression from the way we were raised or influenced growing up.

Growing up, I have experienced my father accommodate guests in our house from many different backgrounds which he would reveal to me privately by the time the guests left our house. We have nothing to offer but my father’s word of advice and instant coffee. Papa does the talking, me and my siblings do the serving. Being young and childish made me dislike people not because of who or what they are but because of the inconvenience they bring to me.

Growing in relationship with Jesus, I came to know that loving others is imitating the generosity of the Good Samaritan in restoring the well being of a stranger. Even if it causes discomfort, inconvenience or sacrifice on our part. I, myself, have benefited a lot from the Good Samaritans along this life’s journey.

I agree with Watchman Nee that the failure of realizing the value of man in God’s sight is where the trouble starts. I need Jesus to see others as the Father sees them. It is only through grace that we can love, serve and lay down our lives for our fellow men in accordance to God’s will.

“For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mk. 10:45).

2. What is the question of great importance? How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?

The question of great importance:
“What I want to know is not if you are interested in men of unusual measure, but if you are interested in MAN?”

Rephrase to myself:
What comes into my mind is, “Can I love and give to others without counting the cost?”

It seems easy and comforting to love someone because I recognize God in them and see the heavenly benefit as mentioned in Matthew 25:40,

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

But it is hard and impossible when I cannot see God in that person because his deeds and choices does not manifest God’s presence. Being human, it is impossible but in Christ nothing is impossible.

3. 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?

Yes. It is not hard to dislike another person whose sin and injustice we witness to have negatively affected many others. It is also not easy to love a person you have a broken relationship with.

But we know the teachings, “Love the sinner, hate the sin.” I experienced being accepted despite of my sins and imperfections.

We know Jesus’ command, “Love your enemy.”

I know that God loves them as He loves me. I also know that Jesus wants to save them and me. If God calls me for this purpose, He will enable me to accomplish it according to His will.

4. 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?

New mindset:
“His (God’s) workmen are servants of men who count it their joy to minister to their fellows (all mankind).”

Such is the joy of the Good Shepherd who found the lost sheep, the joy of the woman who found the lost coin and the joy of the father who welcomed his lost son.

We are Ligaya ng Panginoon (Joy of the Lord). We forsake all and take on the perseverance of the Good Shepherd, the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and the loving embrace of the Father to seek the lost, Ligaya and non-Ligaya fellow men.

 

Quote from Dom Hormigos on June 24, 2024, 7:06 am

Quote from Noel Lugue on June 9, 2024, 10:59 pm

Quote from Joseph Henson on May 23, 2024, 2:07 am

1. 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.

>>> I agree with Kuya Noel on this point. We have already been comforted by the idea that it's better to serve and love the men in the community as we have accepted a common understanding of God's teachings. But we are indeed drawn by God to go beyond.

2. 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.

>>> A challenge we all need to accept as God's son.

3. 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.  

4. 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 Dom Hormigos on June 24, 2024, 7:14 am

Quote from Brien Myles Villamiel on May 18, 2024, 9:12 pm

sorry 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).
• >>> Thanks for sharing this perspective. Our call to be unconditional is indeed vital to our life with Christ.

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.
• >>> It is true that we are indeed called to stretch more and rely in God's grace and beyond personal bias.

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!
• >>> Our love for others is indeed better if we take with us God's love.

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.
• >>> God also teaches us humility. Only when we become humble we will be able to reach out to more. Thanks for this sharing bro.

 

Quote from Eddie on July 5, 2024, 3:52 pm

Quote from Gary Bogarin on April 28, 2024, 6:18 pm

a. 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.

 

 

 

Gary, your heart for service is in the right place.  I'm certain you put the needs of those whom you serve ahead of your own.   And, naturally, the amount of effort and time we have to serve others is limited, and we cannot be in service to everyone everywhere, right?  I think what Watchman Nee is teaching you and me is (a) how we deal in our heart -- and if necessary with our actions -- with people who are in the periphery of your interests, or whom we've pushed out, marginalized and maybe even written off.   Watchman does not suggest, I don't think, that we drop everything and reach out to them at the instance that they come to mind.  Being engaged in service in Ligaya does take a lot of our time; and God has purposed that for you and I.   But what Watchman Nee just wants us to be sensitive to those moments and opportunities which the Lord presents to us where we ought to stop everything and take some action -- the parable of the Good Samaritan comes to mind.   Remember, those who passed alongside were busy with their own service priorities.  🙂  Let us be sensitive to any and all opportunities to love outside our circles of service, and be ready to act with love as Jesus has taught in this parable.

Quote from Eddie on July 5, 2024, 4:23 pm

Quote from Johnny Yu on April 28, 2024, 8:58 pm

Quote from Eddie on April 13, 2024, 2:28 pm

Dear 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.

1. According to Watchman Nee, what is the "serious trouble with many who are engaged in Christian work"?  How does this apply to you?
2. What is the question of great importance?  How would you rephrase that question and address it to yourself?
3. 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?
4. 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. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.   

Johnny, I hear what you're saying about the challenges of having to deal with the stubborn, or the hardened of heart, or those who are less committed to our way of life, or to God's calling for that matter.   There will always be people like these whom God will send our way; and -- yes -- we do have to have that LOVE that Jesus has for them to begin with.  (If you study the character of Peter, you will appreciate the challenges that Jesus had to face in dealing with him.)   Apart from love -- which is essential -- it definitely requires some leadership skill to deal with them -- but that is something that we can calendar for another technical discussion.  

But let me just point out, Johnny, that Watchman Nee goes beyond the men and women who have been entrusted into our discipleship care as servant leaders.  He's actually referring to ALL MANKIND.  Now, obviously, we're not expected to serve all mankind in the same way that we serve those specific men and women in our discipleship group.  Watchman Nee wants us -- busy leaders -- to continue to have a heart that is open to the plight of all sorts of mankind.  We cannot be indifferent to the bigger issues of mankind like poverty, hedonism, environmental catastrophe, etc etc, just because we're busy doing bible studies for our small men's group.    We ought to be sensitive to God's leadings regarding the concerns of mankind -- even if it just means bringing matters into sincere prayer.  And certainly, just like in the parable of the Good Samaritan, we need to be sensitive to those moments when God presents us an opportunity to attend to the specific needs of a specific individual -- be it a complete stranger, or someone we do not like, or even someone who would not appreciate us.  We need to see everyone, everything, every situation through the lens of the eyes of Jesus, and be sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to act out of love.