Success???

In AD 451-1050, the church in Rome grew faster and there were factors that aided its growth and one of those was the invasion of the German tribes. There were doctrinal changes that happened during that time which resulted into how Roman Catholicism is today. The invasion caused into numbers of members, organized institution, and prestige. Despite what happened it was very interesting that politically and militarily Rome was defeated yet their belief or religion was still dominating. We may be able to see that despite what we call tragedy at that time there was always something good that came out of it. Politically they invaded Rome yet in terms of governance in religious activities Rome's belief was overpowering. There were a lot of big developments or changes happening yet it resulted into more dramatic and dominating in power. There was this Monasticism and the Reforms which gives the idea of power that the pope's had. A lot of activities was also done by a lot of priest like outreaches, church planting and evangelizing. Despite the  issues that were roaming around about the corruption and immorality within the church, or even though the Church used forged documents in order to have the privileges, the Church continued to grow. Persecution also immerges as the power also arises in the office of the papacy.

We saw the dramatic growth of the Church. Sometimes the growth of a church was based upon numbers but actually numbers don’t identify Church successful growth. As I reflected upon this truth, I noticed that a lot of evangelical Christian churches today are doing the same thing that they are equating growth with numbers. They are equating success in number of people within the vicinity. This kind of idea also happens to the German tribes. They thought that they were winning or victorious because they govern the land and yet they are the one who had been governed. The “misconception” is clearly seen during that time. Another misconception also and quiet interesting is the pope and bishop's power. They rule the vicinity, having a dominant and greedy attitude in acquiring position. We can see that also today, there are people around the Christian community who may have the same thinking that to be on the top makes you more powerful. Being on the top allows you to control over people.

In the Bible the Lord Jesus Christ is telling us about what is spiritual leadership. The scripture also gives us the idea of what true success mean. A quotation from the Bible that says, “Who wants to be great must be slave to everyone” and a strong reminder of God that “... Do not Lord over them just as others are doing”. This kind of mentality and character is what composes a spiritual leadership. These should be a reminder that to become a minister he or she must have the heart of a servant leader. Servant in the sense that he or she will not think of what to gain but rather for what he or she can give to others. In John chapter 15, The most repeated word was “Abide”. It was emphasize that the believer's gain is in Christ. Relationship with Christ is the primary factor of having a successful life and ministry. It is just the same thing when we meant the word “Seeking” God first. We saw that vivid picture to that in the life of Job. We know that Job in worldly perspective he was successful in every way but when testing arises we can see that the real success of Job is in his relationship with the Lord. Everything was gone yet he knows that he is wealthy because God is on his side. May it be this event reminds us about the right perspective to things and events.

INFLUENCE

Constantine the great gave a significant role in Christianity as well as politics. He was worldwide known person for his accomplishment that made him more famous. He was the known emperor in the west and east of Rome.  He made a lot of development within his term and made a difference at that time. His name is inculcated in the very minds of every person. Even today most of the students who love reading historical books most likely know who Constantine was.

His life reminds me of what He did in the past that made a big impact to history. His accomplishment that made a significant role to the Church and to the country. I was able to look at myself about it, if what impact that I could give in another person's life. Influence that could give glory to God or what difference that I could give in order to glorify the name of the Lord. I was thinking that in the remaining month that we have here in school maybe it's not too late to do an action, an intentional one, that will made a difference or can leave a legacy, a good legacy, to the school and in FED assignments.

I was thinking of mentoring someone in Christ. In such a way that they will continue to live a life pleasing to God, a person that is abounding in love, obedience, and God fearing. It may be hard for me to do it but I know that my divine mentor is always there to help me in times of whatever situation. It's hard for me in the sense that no one personally and intentionally mentors me. I haven't had that experience of being mentored. Though it's hard I will try my best to mentor someone at the end of the school year. I know that it is not just a one-time event. I know that God will help me lead the person in such a way that he will walk in accordance to God’s purpose and will for his life. As what Sir Nordine preached at one chapel time, I need to do the hard thing. I need to stretch myself for the glory of God. As of now I was thinking of a lot of things that will leave legacy here in school and even outside school like in the FED assignments. I was thinking of what are the good thing that I could give that will please God as well as gives impact to someone's life.

Constantine's life is a picture of a person that will give encouragement to every leaders of today. Though we may see the good and the bad side of his being yet we can see the accomplishment he had and impacted the whole world. Constantine is just like you and me. All of us had a bad experience as well bad habits yet God can do something about it if you are willing to stand and make difference for God. Let us always remember that our time here on Earth is passing away. We don't know when will we die but remember what you can do now, do it all for the greater glory of God by making difference and impact to someone's life.