From Servant to Son

Having listened to the sermon series on PURE AND SIMPLE – I now know that I have nothing in myself, or my development, to be proud of. Pure and simple, or child-like faith, is not childishness. Instead, it is joy and gratefulness despite adversity.

I was someone who worked hard by myself, not wanting to trouble others – not wanting to ask for help. But as Luke 18 says, I must change from a self-righteous Pharisee into a humble and vulnerable person.

Next, Ps Joshua preached, “Putting on Jesus’ yoke of slavery”. Yes, I need to trust Jesus to a point that I accept becoming his slave, but this slavery comes with a promise “my yoke is easy, my burden is light.” Trusting God means trusting God’s chosen authority – my pastor and my cell leader.

On Father’s Day, I preached on the Prodigal Son in ANEW and Japanese services – and I started to learn how to change so that I may trust my authority. God revealed to me that I considered myself as His servant, not as His son. This is because I do not really trust His love for me: I must see things not as a slave, but rather discovering my own Being.

In practical terms, this means that I have started to watch “Mama’s Kitchen” and “Following God” programmes. Also I have started to follow my pastors to learn their thought and decision-making processes. Moreover I have started to put down my perspectives on politics and hobbies. I begin to serve my family more and also spend time waiting on the Lord again.

Even my relationship with my family starts to be restored – instead of avoiding my parents, I even actively call them! Most importantly, I begin to learn new ways to think: I learn to grow to become like Ps Ruby and Ps Joshua. I no longer fear expressing my true feelings to my authority. I begin to acquire wisdom, skills, and lasting friendship – all because I have started to depend on God and my family here.

Yes, this life is pure and simple: easy and light.

Brother Yohane Kina
611 BOL co-worker