This might sound like a clique, but nothing beats spending quality time, reading and mediating on God’s Word. My dad used to always say, “Reading the Bible is like turning a diamond in the sunlight, with every turn you see a different lustre” not sure if he was quoting someone else, but I associate my dad with this beautiful imagery. Besides the Bible, I try to read widely. The only caveat is, be careful about what you read, always allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. There’s nothing wrong with closing a book in mid-sentence, when led by the Holy Spirit. Let us look at the letter Paul wrote to the church in Rome.
The Apostle Paul, in the letter to the Romans, exhorts the believers about how they should live. Romans 1-11 is an exposition that sets forth in logical and theological terms the doctrine of being justified by grace through faith. Romans chapters 12-16 is the exhortation how the Christian should live.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Rom. 12: 1-2, KJV).
The second phrase “Renewing of your mind” is the interest of this writing. A paradigm shift in thinking requires you to be ready for change. A “change fit person” is someone who develops themselves to adapt to new experiences. A person who interacts and relates to situations as opportunities, rather than obstacles. This is accomplished through developing great resilience and consistent growth.
I have found that having a personal maxim (a maxim is normally a short statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct) helps discipline your thoughts and actions. I adopt a new maxim every year.
“God, make me willing to be willing.”
Three years ago, I was inspired by Corrie Ten Boom’s famous prayer, “God, make me willing to be willing.” This challenged me to be more attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. After listening to a song by Zach Williams (country music is not my jam) “Less like me” which echoes the word of John the Baptist “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30), I was confronted to renew my mind on how I think as a pastor.
Read the Chorus:
A little more like grace,
A little more like kindness,
And goodness, love and faith,
A little more like patience,
A little more like peace,
A little more like Jesus,
A little less like me.
So, two years ago my maxim has been, “More of HIM and Less of me.”
Then last year, I was inspired by something I read in,“Colour — God’s intention for diversity." Dr Carla D. Sunberg quotes the American futurist, Alvin Toffler, when he said, “The illiterate of the twenty-first century will not be those who cannot read or write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn” So last year I used this maxim “learn, unlearn, and relearn.” Allow me to share a few thoughts on this.
What do I have to learn?
I have learnt to graciously lose (fail) but still learn the lessons from the experience. I have learnt to listenactively. It is good to hear the thoughts of people, especially those close to you. I have found that in most interactions there is always an element of reasonability, logical and sensibility, but I have learnt not to move an inch until I listen to what God has to say on the matter. The Lord will always confirm the direction you need to take, through people, dreams, songs, but most times through His word. I have learnt to love unconditionally. Perhaps the hardest to do, because love requires sacrifice without reciprocity. My gorgeous granny always used to say, “I refuse to have enemies” What a simple yet profound way to approach the life of love.
What do I have to unlearn?
I have struggled to unlearn the urge to go into a situation or discuss with pre-conceived ideas and constantly ruminate in the past. To help me with this, I have tried to suspend judgement in every interaction. I have still not perfected this art, but I am constantly reminding myself to be aware of it.
I have also had to unlearn that in day-to-day activities, there is only one way to achieve a desired outcome. There is always another, better way and many times it is not even the way you wanted it to go.
The need to consult to achieve a solution through “collective genius” is something that all leaders should look to use frequently. The last one I am busy trying to unlearn is hard, that is not living in the present and worrying about the future. An important way to break this cycle is to wake up every morning with an attitude of gratitude.
What do I have to Relearn?
I have been trying to relearn what it means to live and enjoy the simple life. Our lives and schedule can become so busy and complex that we sacrifice time spending with God and enjoying the beauty of nature all around us.
I am also working on how to relearn to have an inquiring mind, relearning to always ask why? The beauty of having a childlike curiosity allows you to journey on “the road less travelled” to discover new truths and make a difference.
I have, most importantly, relearned how to apologise. I have found that saying the words aloud “I am sorry” is superb for the soul. Apologising to God, your wife, kids, family and friends leaves you feeling both vulnerable and empowered. So, what about my enemies? Like my gran said, “I refuse to have enemies.”
Paul exhorts the Christian to renew their minds, to think and do things differently. As discussed above, these are small things we can do to renew our minds and be more obedient and effective in ministry. So, if you have not chosen a maxim, why not try “learn, unlearn and relearn”
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Rom. 12: 1-2, KJV).
Praise - for receiving QCTO accreditation!
Praise - for districts who continue to support the ministry of NTC through prayer and education budget giving!
Pray for the NTC staff who are teaching and coordinating ministerial training programmes.
Pray for VCOS Facilitator training that will take place in Namibia in October.
Pray for the ongoing work of writing new course materials for ministerial training.
Pray for the 9 students in ministerial training on the campus of NTC, and the ministerial students enrolled in VCOS in district learning centres.
Pray for business for GNCC to support the mission of NTC.
Pray for Rev. Errol & Dr. Rhonda Carrim currently on home assignment.
NTC offers short courses towards lifelong learning. We offer the courses on the third week of every month. We want to remind the pastors you are required to complete 20 hours of lifelong learning per year.
We are excited to launch a Two Part course on "Wesleyan Leadership Formation and Theology" presented by Dr. Deanna Hayden in October. Please register for the course on our website.
Next Event: 21 - 26 October 2024 (Registration closes 16 Oct)
Please follow the link to our website: https://www.nazarenecollege.ac.za/lifelonglearning
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