To my dear friends in Christ,
Greetings to you all. I hope that you’re all doing fine and in good health. At the time of writing of this letter, a lot of people are quite fearful because of the looming threat posted by the possible US – Iraq War, and its implications here in the Middle East. Even watching TFC (The Filipino Channel) is no comfort, what with all the sensationalized news being aired there, adding to the fear. All I can do right now is pray that all will be well, and encouraging others here as well. I urge you all to please pray for the resolution of this conflict here in the Middle East, .... and , oh yes, pray for me too...
Forgive me for the title of this letter... “Body Parts”... sounds macabre, isn’t it? Well, I’m referring to our being part of the Body of Christ, and as being members of this Body, it is our Sacred Duty to function effectively... in the way we ought to. We all finished the CLP. And part of that is being baptized in the Spirit. And being baptized in the Spirit, we became part of the Body of Christ.
“ There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all and in all.”
Ephesians 4: 4-6 NIV
I urge you to read carefully 1 Cor. 12:12-31. This passage explains in detail that we are part of the Body of Christ, just as we were baptized into it.
“ Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a part of it.”
1 Corinthians 12: 27 NIV
Different parts, different functions... each has his own Sacred Duty to perform. As I’ve mentioned in Sacred Duty1 (for those of you who haven’t read it and the previous ones, please check the blogspot or the website, or ask me directly and I’ll email them to you), it encompasses all aspects of our lives – our work, family and society – and we all have our roles to play in these areas. It depends on what He called us to do, using the Gifts that He also gave us through the Holy Spirit. It could be anything He wants us to do for Him – a source of encouragement in the family and work; a facilitator in the Christian Life Program (CLP) or any Renewal program in your community; a volunteer in an outreach program; or being part of Gideon 300, and be sent as a missionary abroad! It could be small, or it could be big. It could be simple, or it could hold a greater measure of responsibility. As long as He wants us to do it – then we should do it!
In a previous community that I attended to, we also have a weekend Life in the Spirit Seminar similar to the CLP, but only done in two days. Some were assigned as facilitators, while the rest were assigned other activities – including preparation of the place and arranging the chairs. But you know what, those whose task were simply to arrange chairs, would pray over each and every chair they’re arranging, asking God to grant the Holy Spirit and enlighten the one who would sit on that particular chair! And they do it enthusiastically – I tell you.
Look into yourselves,... have we ever grumbled because we were not assigned an “important” role as a speaker, or as a facilitator? If God wants you to be the floor manager (in charge of cleaning after the CLP) then do it with all your heart! But if you were assigned an “important” role like a facilitator, or even the Team Leader, don’t take it all up to your head and think, and believe, that you have the most “important” duty of all. Notice how I put the quotes in “important”, because every duty that God has assigned for anyone is IMPORTANT, and not only those who we think are “important”. Get my point? Now, let’s see what’s Jesus say in this :
“ An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside Him. Then He said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this little child in My Name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me, welcomes the One Who sent Me. For he who is least among you all – he is the greatest.’ ”
Luke 9: 46-48 NIV
Now you might ask : How can we know what our Sacred Duty is? Ah,.. good question. He will reveal it to us as we become closer and closer to Him. And we can do that through our prayers and worship, both personally and through community. It can also be revealed through our community, through the prayers and discernment of our elders and leaders. Or God will create situations for us to react to – and His will can be revealed in these situations. Just remember, always have a servant’s heart, my brothers and sisters. Who knows... one day Jesus might tap you on the shoulder, and give us the “role” that we aspire for. This passage that I’ll share with you from Romans clearly spells it all :
“ Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12: 1-2 NIV
That my friends is how we’ll know the Sacred Duty God wants us to perform. And once we know it, we should do it with all our hearts and our will, pouring into it our time, talent and treasure. And I’m sure that you’ll bear fruit – much, much fruit. So next time you arrange a chair in the CLP, or sing a song during worship in gatherings, or share what Jesus has done for you to someone – do it with excellence! It could be part of your Sacred Duty to God.
I’m glad to have heard some updates from Pearl on what’s going on with SFC Muntinlupa. I was very thrilled to hear that you’re holding household meetings regularly. Keep it up, and encourage others to do so. Thanks to Richie for including me in the egroups. To those of you who receive this letter, please send it also to other SFC members that you know of, or print copies to those who don’t have email. Give copies to the Couples too, they might need it also.
But I have one message to the others : SULATAN N’YO AKO!!!! He,he,he.... just send me emails updating me of what’s going on with your lives. Hey.. you can email me your problems too, or seek some advice regarding any matter... I’ll me more willing to give help.
I pray that the Lord grant us all His wisdom, knowledge and understanding so we could know all about our Sacred Duty in detail – and be able to perform it with excellence. May the Lord supply you with all your needs, and grant you good health and protection.... In Jesus’ Name!
Shalom,
Brod. Pete
“Letters from my Sojourn”
© 2008 by Peter Allan C. Mariano
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2 Timothy 2: 15
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