Well, this week is extremely adventurous for me. I got refreshed. i have learned this lessons in workshop, in Locale, at home and inside the bus. We are nourished with lectures on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Actually, we also have online lessons. But we are really stubborn- still. And God's way to make us more learned children, He will let us undergo OJT or on-the-job training. And for my OJT for the week, I learned so much. As such, I also gained from my friend's OJT. Thanks to her that she shared her lessons, no need for me to undergo such training.
Kidding aside. Too many things had transpired this past week and again, thank you, God. Thank you for reminding me things that temporarily slipped off my mind; and on learning from mistakes and shortcomings- of others and mine; deliberate and unintentional. So here are they:
First, when I have task at hand, I have to do it with all my heart, with all my might no matter how tired I may be and even if resources run out. Is there anyone among us that can stand and say that he can surpass what Bro Eli and Bro Daniel is doing? I am guilty on this concern, and I am sorry. I have no right to feel dead beat as my leaders are exerting 100,000,000 times effort than I do. Besides, my salary here is so high. Why would I complain? If I do all these worthily, I will have eternal life as reward. Superb, right?
Second, evil’s bait comes in different sizes. But for a true Christian, it comes in small packages most of the time so therefore, we cannot quickly recognize sometimes. For instance, it is a normal reaction for us humans to experience ill feelings when others, at times, pass judgments on us. We have this notion that because they criticize what we do, what we wear, the way we talk and the way we carry ourselves; we tag them as haters or just another envious individual looking over our shoulders. But before thinking this way, analyze first. The principle to reflect on: We, Christians live to please God, not people. Always remember that, we Christians are not here on this place called earth to satisfy the standards of men, but God’s.
Third, I realized, I have the best friends in the world. They are really heaven-sent. I have been through a lot and there are times that I feel a bitter on some issues. And these friends of mine are so great, and brilliant, and genuinely God-fearing. In normal promptings of men, there is this your-my-friend-so-i-hate-who-you-hate syndrome. When this scenario sets in, remember Matthew 15:33, "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." Luckily, my friends are the contrary. They supply me sound thoughts to reflect on. Mostly, I am glad I am in the midst of righteous children of God- and I am particularly referring to the church groups that I joined (yes, because it’s their faces that I happen to see almost every day, its them who fill my handphone inbox and drains its battery too, because of voice calls) not to forget, of course the husband God has given to me. They say things I need to hear, not things I want to hear. Through them, I realize how small but lucky I am to be called inside the true church. As what has been taught to us, life companions are from God if they guide and help you to be more worthy of God’s love and salvation. If they do otherwise, they are from devil.
Fourth, when somebody was offended by someone, the one offended quickly defends and say “he doesn’t know what’s in my heart”. But it’s the same, the “offended” also doesn’t know what is in the heart of his “offender”. So, the moral of the story is, still go back to basic wisdom we have learned, let us assume that our brethren is more righteous than us. Each one of us was created unique and God put flaws on us all. But flaws are not the things that we need to look at for but the nurtured inborn beauty from within that God has planted in our hearts. Don’t look at petty issues as “petty issues”. Be careful. Big issues came from small ones. For all we know, the thing that we consider small becomes disastrous when not handled properly. Good intentions require just, proper and intelligent actions. These criticisms may be for our own gain, so let us think first and don't do reckless moves. Remember, in one wrong move we can allow satan to step in. He is not welcome in anyway, so beware!
Fifth, strip-off pride in our heart. For the longest time, I can feel God commanded to settle this certain concern that was brought about by miscommunication, wrong perception and lack of understanding. But for certain reason that I don’t know now how to explain, I did not listen. I just sit down and do other tasks. Until one day, I discovered that everything was already out of proportion. I was thinking that since too many related topics has been discussed during our congregations, it’s already enough. But it’s not. I forgot that we are all different individuals. We accept things on different level, and even our faiths are not on the same intensity. As what is written in Romans 12:3 “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith”. So for some people, we need words, and warm and sincere apology with calm voice in explaining. And at last I did what my God has been asking me to do. To you, loser satan, you will never win. Go elsewhere; you can’t beat me and my little sis. We just had a little “fun”, loser. One more thing about pride. this holds us from fulfilling our duties to God properly. So better let go. Not good for health, and not good for soul.
Sixth, we have to love to love those who don’t even know we exist and even those who want to think we don’t exist. It is not bad that we stick with the company of our family and friends, but we must remember that we need to extend our kindness even to those that we consider meanest on earth’s crust. One distinct Christian feature: loving thy enemy, and still doing good even if others- intentional or not-; inflicted harm on us. Bear this God’s directive in mind: Mat 5:44 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
Seventh, stand still on God’s side. Love Him over and above anyone and anything. Don’t be like the fools who are so busy spending time, money and effort for the things of this world. Be intelligent on deciding what path to take because satan is so devilishly clever and he always wanted to bring men down. Always have an open mind, a clean heart that is full of love and a prayerful soul. Ask Jesus to be the winds beneath our wings because we cannot do good things without Him to direct us.
