I am wondering that even my own sister and me have different choices and ways in looking a similar event. So are my friends and I think the people around me. The way every person respond to a particular circumstance are also diverse. Each has his/her own uniqueness and characteristics to see and decide what choices they choose, which I believe God knows them perfectly.
I remember last time when in my posting I worried (a lot?) about humility [and obedience], and my great friend encourage me not to that worry about these things, because these things are not something we can produce by our own strength nor hard efforts. He said, "Brother, do not worry too much about humility. It isn't something we can "grow" through our own efforts or will power. By all means, always take the humble and lowest place, but not to gain humility or even to demonstrate it.Seek Christ always first, and do what you see Him doing in your spirit, and accept everything that happens to you, good and bad, with the same cheerfulness (not resignation), the same satisfaction with God's plan for your life."
I remember last time when in my posting I worried (a lot?) about humility [and obedience], and my great friend encourage me not to that worry about these things, because these things are not something we can produce by our own strength nor hard efforts. He said, "Brother, do not worry too much about humility. It isn't something we can "grow" through our own efforts or will power. By all means, always take the humble and lowest place, but not to gain humility or even to demonstrate it.Seek Christ always first, and do what you see Him doing in your spirit, and accept everything that happens to you, good and bad, with the same cheerfulness (not resignation), the same satisfaction with God's plan for your life."
And when I remember this and once more ponder upon this matter (yesterday and today, 28-05). I found that this is very powerful!
God has provides us a very rich means and opportunities for me [and us] to learn humility and obedience. They are so richly provided by Him as rich as the other blessings He bestows upon us every single day--which we always need.
In this day, when there are so many choices, interactions, communications and thoughts we face or feel or think, inevitably we have to decide how to response or react to certain stimuli or to initiate something. In this, there always the temptation to use the pride, laziness, reproach (my) self, desire to contradict, self-wisdom and stubbornness and then if we are trapped by that, that is the hard shell!! Inside that we can not meet the God of Love and freedom (Tito Colliander, Way of Ascetics).
Therefore I found that what my friend said above is very powerful and wise:
"By all means, always take the humble and lowest place, but not to gain humility or even to demonstrate it.Seek Christ always first, and do what you see Him doing in your spirit, and accept everything that happens to you, good and bad, with the same cheerfulness (not resignation), the same satisfaction with God's plan for your life"
It's very good to take any moments and circumstances today joyfully and with simplicity although in our weaknesses those might be tiresome (But Love never tires!) and yet in our tears and sweat the sound gladness would blossom. We need always focus on Him and ask His blessing in each step. Indeed, He has provided us so richly!It is wonderful to make the Sign of The Cross deliberately, joyfully and reverently and to fill our mouths and hearts and minds with the Psalms for His Greatness while working in the library, translating wonderful spiritual books and any other activities.
Glory to Thee, O God!
Lord Jesus Christ, The Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner!
I always thank God for you, my brother, and for His love and faithfulness that I see in your life. Nothing that may happen, good or bad, can ever separate us from the love of Christ, who lives in us, and in whom we live.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this. God's blessings on you.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, Romanos!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you too, Elizabeth!