Saturday, April 3, 2021

Reflection - Thinking of Heaven - Maturity and being a blessing

Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, Part V: THINKING OF HEAVEN, Chapter 34, "Being a Blessing", Question 1, Page 228.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


What has maturity got to do with moving away from self-centredness to focusing on others - God and those around us? PHOTO: What has maturity got to do with moving away from self-centredness to focusing on others - God and those around us?
Most people want to be blessed in life. Fewer people seek to be a blessing in life.

This is not surprising as the self is the most important reality for most people. Everyone is born with a full sense of self. Scientists tell us that a newborn baby is only aware of himself, and that everybody, including the mother, is perceived as an extension of that self. There is no sense of distinction between self and the other. The infant soon recognises others apart from himself. But most children still grow up with the self as the most important reality. They will then tend to use others for their own self-centred purposes and agendas. They also tend to use God in the same way.

Most people begin their journey of faith in the same way. They realise there is a God above themselves, then try to use Him for their own well-being. The medieval monk Bernard of Clairvaux called this "loving God for our own sake".
 
It takes some time in the faith journey before we discover a deeper layer where we learn to "love God for His sake". Between the two stages is a Copernican revolution of sorts, where self is no longer at the centre of our universe. Instead, God takes His rightful place as the central reality of our existence.

When this takes place, we become less self-centred and self-absorbed, and begin to relate to God and others in a self-giving way. When we turn to God in this way, we discover true worship. When we turn to those around us in a self-giving way, we discover true service; we become a blessing to others.


How will this be experienced both in terms of worship (God-centredness) and service (seeking to bless others)?
As we age, we should be discovering these important stages in our spiritual journey. A certain sense of contentment should mark our path. It is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6; Hebrews 13:5) and something we can learn to experience whatever our circumstances (Philippians 4:11-12). This experience of contentment and gratitude becomes the springboard of true service.

When God called Abraham, He told the man, "I will bless those who bless you . . . and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3). We must note the connection here. God blesses us, and as a result, we become a blessing to others. We are not to become selfish reservoirs, but generous channels through which God's blessings flow into the lives of others.

A geographical lesson from Israel is sometimes used to illustrate this. There are two big lakes in Israel: the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee. The Dead Sea is far below sea level and collects all the water flowing in from the Jordan River. Because the water does not flow out, the lake has become stagnant and lifeless - hence its name.

On the other hand, the Sea of Galilee is teeming with life and has vegetation, towns, and cities on its shores. As it was in Jesus' day, it is a place where fish are caught commercially. The Sea of Galilee has water flowing both into and out. When God called Abraham, He intended the patriarch to be like the Sea of Galilee - being blessed and being a blessing.

Is it possible that in heaven, as each person is called to stand before God, others who have been a blessing to them will also be called to stand alongside? Who would stand with you? These would be people who have blessed you: some well-known, others you didn't even realise were used by God to bless you.

When others are called, will you be called as one who has been blessing to them? Imagine the joy if this happens, especially if you are called upon many times!
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What has maturity got to do with moving away from self-centredness to focusing on others - God and those around us? How will this be experienced both in terms of worship (God-centredness) and service (seeking to bless others)?

What has maturity got to do with moving away from self-centredness to focusing on others - God and those around us? [1]
Most people want to be blessed in life. Fewer people seek to be a blessing in life.


Most people want to be blessed in life.
PHOTO: Most people want to be blessed in life. Fewer people seek to be a blessing in life.
Photo from Dreamstime
Picture posted by Dušica Čičigoj, therapist
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https://dobrakarma.si/clanek/custva/sreca-ni-samo-imeti-in-dobiti-747583


This is not surprising as the self is the most important reality for most people. Everyone is born with a full sense of self. Scientists tell us that a newborn baby is only aware of himself, and that everybody, including the mother, is perceived as an extension of that self. There is no sense of distinction between self and the other. The infant soon recognises others apart from himself. But most children still grow up with the self as the most important reality. They will then tend to use others for their own self-centred purposes and agendas. They also tend to use God in the same way.


The self is the most important reality for most people.
PHOTO: The self is the most important reality for most people. Everyone is born with a full sense of self. Scientists tell us that a newborn baby is only aware of himself, and that everybody, including the mother, is perceived as an extension of that self. There is no sense of distinction between self and the other. The infant soon recognises others apart from himself. But most children still grow up with the self as the most important reality. They will then tend to use others for their own self-centred purposes and agendas. They also tend to use God in the same way.
Artwork by Fano
Picture posted by C. Leterme
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https://www.bijbelin1000seconden.be/menu/tiki-index.php?page=6e+zondag+door+het+jaar+C+-+evangelie


Most people begin their journey of faith in the same way. They realise there is a God above themselves, then try to use Him for their own well-being. The medieval monk Bernard of Clairvaux called this "loving God for our own sake". [116] It takes some time in the faith journey before we discover a deeper layer where we learn to "love God for His sake". Between the two stages is a Copernican revolution of sorts, where self is no longer at the centre of our universe. Instead, God takes His rightful place as the central reality of our existence.


Most people begin their journey of faith by using God for their own self-centred purposes and agendas.
PHOTO: Most people begin their journey of faith by using God for their own self-centred purposes and agendas. They realise there is a God above themselves, then try to use Him for their own well-being. The medieval monk Bernard of Clairvaux called this "loving God for our own sake".
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PHOTO: It takes some time in the faith journey before we discover a deeper layer where we learn to "love God for His sake". Between the two stages is a Copernican revolution of sorts, where self is no longer at the centre of our universe. Instead, God takes His rightful place as the central reality of our existence.
Picture posted by Vito Piepoli , civico20news on 09 February 2021
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https://www.civico20news.it/mobile/autore.php?id=118


When this takes place, we become less self-centred and self-absorbed, and begin to relate to God and others in a self-giving way. When we turn to God in this way, we discover true worship. When we turn to those around us in a self-giving way, we discover true service; we become a blessing to others.


When God takes His rightful place as the central reality of our existence, we become less self-centred and self-absorbed, and begin to relate to God and others in a self-giving way.
PHOTO: When God takes His rightful place as the central reality of our existence, we become less self-centred and self-absorbed, and begin to relate to God and others in a self-giving way. When we turn to God in this way, we discover true worship. When we turn to those around us in a self-giving way, we discover true service; we become a blessing to others.
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How will this be experienced both in terms of worship (God-centredness) and service (seeking to bless others)? [1]
As we age, we should be discovering these important stages in our spiritual journey. A certain sense of contentment should mark our path. It is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6; Hebrews 13:5) and something we can learn to experience whatever our circumstances (Philippians 4:11-12). This experience of contentment and gratitude becomes the springboard of true service.


As we age, we should be discovering these important stages in our spiritual journey.
PHOTO: As we age, we should be discovering these important stages in our spiritual journey. A certain sense of contentment should mark our path. It is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6; Hebrews 13:5) and something we can learn to experience whatever our circumstances (Philippians 4:11-12). This experience of contentment and gratitude becomes the springboard of true service. 
Picture posted by Liana Brooks on 12 March 2018
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When God called Abraham, He told the man, "I will bless those who bless you . . . and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3). We must note the connection here. God blesses us, and as a result, we become a blessing to others. We are not to become selfish reservoirs, but generous channels through which God's blessings flow into the lives of others.


When God called Abraham, He told the man, 'I will bless those who bless you . . . and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you' (Genesis 12:3).
PHOTO: When God called Abraham, He told the man, "I will bless those who bless you . . . and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3). We must note the connection here. God blesses us, and as a result, we become a blessing to others. We are not to become selfish reservoirs, but generous channels through which God's blessings flow into the lives of others.
Picture posted by Eugenio Pramotton
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfH-ffT_nohhNVjMTKE1JxFvOIOw0s7JTFZhNAXmM_ne12z_IWfZJAm3hjQmCaaGOFhOUyLsy5Frm1LTUM1CcPFLwL2GRG7GEKiXoFwOeluUiGRknGZX_x0L-Dyine1N4WdCW9_YSLFo/s1400/lancien-testament-gen%25C3%25A8se-DwvyuTQBa_6-LJDCEWBYr7z.1400x1400.jpg
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A geographical lesson from Israel is sometimes used to illustrate this. There are two big lakes in Israel: the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee. The Dead Sea is far below sea level and collects all the water flowing in from the Jordan River. Because the water does not flow out, the lake has become stagnant and lifeless - hence its name.


The Dead Sea is far below sea level and collects all the water flowing in from the Jordan River.
PHOTO:  We are not to become selfish reservoirs, but generous channels through which God's blessings flow into the lives of others.
Picture posted by wellgal.com
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On the other hand, the Sea of Galilee is teeming with life and has vegetation, towns, and cities on its shores. As it was in Jesus' day, it is a place where fish are caught commercially. The Sea of Galilee has water flowing both into and out. When God called Abraham, He intended the patriarch to be like the Sea of Galilee - being blessed and being a blessing.


The Sea of Galilee is teeming with life and has vegetation, towns, and cities on its shores.
PHOTO: As it was in Jesus' day, it is a place where fish are caught commercially. The Sea of Galilee has water flowing both into and out. When God called Abraham, He intended the patriarch to be like the Sea of Galilee - being blessed and being a blessing.
Artwork by Harold Copping
Picture saved by Paulette White to JESUS ~ Name Above All Names
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Is it possible that in heaven, as each person is called to stand before God, others who have been a blessing to them will also be called to stand alongside? Who would stand with you? These would be people who have blessed you: some well-known, others you didn't even realise were used by God to bless you.


Is it possible that in heaven, as each person is called to stand before God, others who have been a blessing to them will also be called to stand alongside?
PHOTO: Is it possible that in heaven, as each person is called to stand before God, others who have been a blessing to them will also be called to stand alongside? These would be people who have blessed you: some well-known, others you didn't even realise were used by God to bless you.
Picture posted by Ernie's Musings on 26 March 2017 at 10:30
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When others are called, will you be called as one who has been blessing to them? Imagine the joy if this happens, especially if you are called upon many times!


When others are called, will you be called as one who has been blessing to them?
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we learn that most people want to be blessed in life. Fewer people seek to be a blessing in life.

Scientists tell us that a newborn baby is only aware of himself, and that everybody, including the mother, is perceived as an extension of that self. This is not surprising as the self is the most important reality for most people. Everyone is born with a full sense of self.

There is no sense of distinction between self and the other. The infant soon recognises others apart from himself. But most children still grow up with the self as the most important reality. They will then tend to use others for their own self-centred purposes and agendas.

Lord, we also tend to use God in the same way. We begin our journey of faith in the same way. We realise there is a God above ourselves, then try to use Him for our own well-being. We are ‘loving God for our own sake’.

It takes some time in the faith journey before we discover a deeper layer where we learn to ‘love God for His sake’. Between the two stages is a Copernican revolution of sorts, where self is no longer at the centre of our universe. Instead, God takes His rightful place as the central reality of our existence.

Lord, we pray that this takes place, so that we become less self-centred and self-absorbed, and begin to relate to God and others in a self-giving way. When we turn to God in this way, we discover true worship. When we turn to those around us in a self-giving way, we discover true service; we become a blessing to others.

Lord, as we age, help us to discover these important stages in our spiritual journey. A certain sense of contentment marking our path. We pray that this is great gain and something we can learn to experience whatever our circumstances. This experience of contentment and gratitude to become the springboard of true service.

We learn that when God called Abraham, He told him, ‘I will bless those who bless you . . . and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you’. Lord, You bless us, and as a result, we become a blessing to others. Help us not to become selfish reservoirs, but generous channels through which God's blessings flow into the lives of others.

Help us to be like the Sea of Galilee which has water flowing both into and out, and is teeming with life and has vegetation, towns, and cities on its shores. Help us to be like the Sea of Galilee - being blessed and being a blessing, as You have intended.

Lord, we pray that we would not be like the Dead Sea where it is far below sea level and collects all the water flowing in from the Jordan River. Because the water does not flow out, the lake has become stagnant and lifeless.

Lord, is it possible that in heaven, as each person is called to stand before God, others who have been a blessing to them will also be called to stand alongside? These would be people who have blessed us: some well-known, others we didn't even realise were used by God to bless us.

When others are called, may we be called as one who has been blessing to them. Allow us to have this joy if this happens, especially if we are called upon many times!

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
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Reflection - Thinking of Heaven - Maturity and being a blessing
Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, Part V: THINKING OF HEAVEN, Chapter 34, "Being a Blessing", Question 1, Page 228.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


Other Books

Also from the same author, Robert M. Solomon

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 
 

Reference
[1] From "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, Copyright © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-14-1836-5, Part V: THINKING OF HEAVEN, Chapter 34, "Being a Blessing", Page 223-228.

[116] Bernard of Clairvaux, On Loving God (Pickerington, OH: Beloved, 2014), chap. 8-9.


Links


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