Unusual Channel
The human in me
How do I recognize authority? Is it with "humble obedience"? Or do I recognize it as something I "MUST" do because I was asked by someone higher than me and say, "JUST BECAUSE?" The latter really can be obedience with a little or with great hostility. However, there is a difference between "HUMBLE OBEDIENCE" and plain obedience. What do I recognize? The Human side or the Divine side?
When Philippe and I joined BLD five years ago, we were taught of the difference between the two, thanks to the BLD Teachings that form part of BLD's Formation Program. My own personal experience defines "humble obedience" in simple terms...serving the Lord with a cheerful and grateful heart. I am sure a lot of members will agree with me that whatever we do for the BLD community, it is done with a heartfelt commitment both for its members and most especially to the Almighty Father. As I understand it too, it is serving without grumbling, without hesitation; no muscle (pun) involved, not overbearing and imposing. I say this because sometimes when I do work for the community my human side takes over and I tend to be overbearing and demanding. The moment I realize that I am driven to work not by God's grace but something else, I immediately check myself and go back to my source. Every time my human side surfaces I remember what Fr. Ralph often tells me, "Renette, always go back to the source of all this initiatives." And as a BLD member, of course, I understand what it means. My source is absolute... God!
One of my memorable experiences is what I learned from my Aspirant's Retreat a year ago from none other than His Eminence, Archbishop Angel Lagdameo. He asked all aspirants what is needed to be a good servant of the Lord. A lot of answers were given and all were correct according to him however, he wanted an answer that sums up all answers. Then he said, "humble-obedience" is the most definite way to describe a good servant of God. And indeed it is! It doesn't matter who you are, what you are, where you come from. As a believer, there can't be any other way to show my genuine love and service for the Lord but to serve Him just that. He deserves nothing less. He expects me to be more like Him each day when I worship Him. When He was sent to us as man, He served me with great love and compassion. With all humility, He washed the feet of His twelve disciples; He ate with them; He healed the sick and comforted the poor. To top it all, He died for me on the cross to save me from my sinful ways and forgave His many offenders. Tough act to follow, huh?
In the real world, I realized that to increase myself in His eyes, I must decrease my human frailties. To be perfect in His eyes, I must recognize my human imperfections. I must be more considerate of other people's feelings; I must be unselfish and more giving; I must serve Him with a cheerful heart and learn to glorify all my given talents to Him alone and use these talents to enrich other people and not myself. Lastly, I must recognize His authority through human involvement and with all of the above; someday I can be worthy to say I am a good servant of the Lord. At the moment, I am like other people who struggle to travel the path prepared for me. My journey is just beginning to unfold before my eyes. However, I am so lucky to begin this journey with a community that is very supportive and understands my human imperfections. A community that patiently guides me when I somehow lose my balance; a community that God used as an instrument to lead me to where I want to be... that is with You my Abba Father.
I have so much to thank for. Blessings have been pouring in the midst of continuous trials. "When you want to see a rainbow, you got to put up with the rain". Somehow, when trials pour like rain, it ends... when it ends, a bright day begins. It's been stormy but there's been sunshine too!
For all the BLD members who will go through and will add another milestone in their renewed life by being covenanted... hey, it's been great for me all these years and I am hooked forever! It's great to be here in a community of good servants. Let the Aspirant's Retreat be a step forward to great beginnings. True and committed service to the Lord brought you this far, so there is no stopping now... head on, move forward for the Lord. It is almost at your grasp, so grab it, enjoy it and thank Him for the opportunity to serve Him better. Believe you me, there is more to come. As a Covenanted member, I welcome you for it will definitely be another great victory for the Lord! Good News and God Bless!
"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."
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Advance Happy Birthday to my husband, Philippe on July 10 many more birthdays, Honey! And Advance Happy Wedding Anniversary to a sweet couple, Minieng and Val on July 07, Cheers!
For your comments please email to rbuy@gmail.com