One word which I heard and struck my heart so deeply, that is to be careful. I have to admit that too often in my days, choices and decisions which I make, I make them either quickly, naive, even sometimes uncritical and can be really dangerous for me and others... in many aspects! I really need to learn and put off the immature way of thinking and put on a proper and responsible attitude of the things around me according God's commandment. This reminds me of Psalm 119:16 "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word". and what Holy Apostle Paul wrote to St. Timothy "All Scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,"
Then I think about time. It is easy for me not to be careful with how I allocate my time for the beneficial things. Prayers, assignments, work hours are very essential for me here. Yet, I sometimes still find myself online, talking with friends unnecessarily and even being idle. Lord, have mercy! Put in my heart and mind the desire and strength to my body to be wise, diligent and bear the labor, sweat and even inconvenience to do the works You entrust me.
The other things is to be careful with my own thoughts and bias. It is an alarm to me when I learned the works of some philosophers, especially Nietzsche. That reminds me when I find something very scandalizing and disappointing about whatever it might be, I should not rely or scrutinize others' faults, rather on my own weaknesses. And not to magnify the 'sin' or weaknesses of others because that will sink us into a deeper sadness and despair, but to look and focus on Christ the Lord. Trust in Him will never fail us, because even when our own beloved ones deserted us, He will always trustworthy and faithful.
To be careful in every step, to be mindful of Your bidding and to be faithful and trustworthy, O Lord may You strengthen us!
The best thing you said here, Yudhie, is to remember what the Word of God says to you, and stay close to it, to faithfully keep it.
ReplyDeleteEvery stage of life has its own set of faults, many of which will disappear as you enter the next stage, naturally.
Some faults, however, can only be corrected by intense effort, again, directed by consistent study and application of the Word of God.
Always remember, though, it is yours to begin any good work, including self-discipline, but it is the Lord's to bring it to His own perfection.
Just trust Him, for He is faithful and true, and He will transform you into an image of His own self, as long as you keep looking straight at Him.
You too will be called "faithful and true." Never despair, always prepare.
Very true, Yudhie. Being of a similar age to you, I know that one can never be too careful.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many tests we have to deal with everyday, at university, at home, with our study, our relationships with others.
Sometimes I forget to simply talk to God, because other things are more important. Sometimes I critisize the other person without looking at my own pathetic faults that I have no excuse for. Sometimes I forget that I am not alone and feel sorry for myself for doing this.
Pandeli
Nice!
ReplyDeleteI see you put a bahasa translator on this blog.
Very, very nice!
God bless you, Yudhie.