Discipleship Letters 35-36

Discipleship Letter 35                                                March 29, 2009

God said in the Letter of James, “We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way” (3:2). God is concerned about what we say with our mouths. “The tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire” (3:5).

Due to my role and responsibility, I “talk” a lot. And God’s word reminds me a lot in many ways.

• “Truth stands the test of time; lies are soon exposed” (Prov. 12:19).
• “A truthful witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies” (Prov. 14:5).
• “Those who control their tongue will have a long life; a quick retort can ruin everything” (Prov. 13:3).
• “The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble” (Prov. 12:13).
• “The godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off. The godly speak words that are helpful, but the wicked speak only what is corrupt” (Prov. 10:31-32).

Am I wise? Am I godly? Christian spirituality is very down-to-earth. Basically, I am what I say; I say what I am. The tongue, which is a small thing, can destroy my faith and the faith of others. What is the size of your tongue?

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Discipleship Letter 36                                                April 5, 2009 

Recently, I spend time to revisit my pastoral ministry from various angles based on John 10.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (10:11). Whether a shepherd is good or not, it’s truly based on his sacrifice. Laying down his life is a commitment.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me” (10:14). How much do I know you? How much do you know me? Mutual knowledge is fundamental to pastoral ministry. Knowing and being known involve certain courage and acceptance.

“No one can take my life from me. I lay down my life voluntarily…” (10:18a). God didn’t force Christ to lay down his life. Christ did it voluntarily for the sake of God’s overall plan. In pastoral ministry, I do what I do because Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.

“He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (10:3b). A good shepherd knows each of his sheep—his local context, his inner thought, his struggle, and his story.