My impersonal thoughts on the age of 25

I have this personal timeline in my head that marks milestones worth remembering. 4 days ago was my 25th birthday and it took a long while for the thoughts to sink in that I'm actually 25 years old. For 25 years of my life I've been living with my parents (don't judge me). We all have our own way of growth of maturity and have a unique set of experiences given by God that formed us to who we are right now. Despite the uniqueness, we all have something in common that we might be thinking when we hit this age.

Thanks Mom, this really required a lot of effort.

Am I still too young?

No. We are no longer those kids that allows others to decide for our lives. We are no longer kids that are unable to make decisions. It doesn't mean that we become independent of other people. The goal of maturity and growth is not to become independent but to become responsible. Being responsible is to become great stewards to what we have. As we age, a lot of things will be entrusted to us by God, and we have to become strong to make the best decisions and become good stewards. 

It is also good to check if we have set directions or have a vision for our lives. Are we making a stand for our life? Is the foundation of where we are standing a solid one? Is our stand something worth following? Do we know where we are going? What's the purpose of our life? If we don't know yet, then it is best that we start asking the right questions to the right people.

Am I too old for certain things?

No. Just because you've finished a degree or a masters' degree or a PhD, it means you are done with education or growth. No-one is a done deal not unless you stop having new experiences (that only happens when you are already dead). Everybody is getting FREE experiences every single moment and it would be a great waste if you aren't getting any of it. Always note this: nothing is an accident and everything has a purpose. Make use of every opportunity for growth (Ephesians 5:16-17, Romans 8:28). It means that we get to have an optimistic perspective but always accompany it with a realistic approach.



Remember that it's always a war out there-- everyday is a battle and we have to be ready for it. No-one is too old to retire for battle and no-one is too young not to fight their war. The world out there would always challenge your identity, your security, your peace and your faith. The world is in the business of making you feel lacking and would tell you that you need more than God. We know that it is not true and so that's why we have to fight the good fight of faith by being good stewards of the things entrusted to us and constantly growing with God.

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At the end of it all, no-one is too young or too old in life. Seasons may change but responsibility/stewardship, the opportunity of growth and to fight for what we stand for would always be present in our lives. Take a firm grasp of these three things. 

When the fire starts to burn

My reason for this post is that we just had our Mindanao Regional Leaders' Camp 2014, attended by 205 delegates from all over Mindanao, and I didn't have the time to talk to the leaders afterwards. After gathering the thoughts of my message, I believe this would make sense to all those who have their souls rekindled by the amazing work of God in their lives through life-changing experiences (like the leaders' camp for this case)

Lifebox Mindanao Regional Leaders' Camp 2014

Life-changing experiences through the Gospel is like an ignition of the car engine, it enables the car to move. It's also like an explosion of a dynamite, so powerful that it will set ablaze everything in its environment. Much like all the delegates, we were never the same after the camp ended. Our hearts were burning with overflowing passion towards the lost. We are very much excited to go back to our campuses and do the commission that God has called us to do. In the first few months, the energy is still high, the excitement is still felt but would it last for generations? Is the flame in our hearts limited to ourselves or would it last for a few months or perhaps just for a single generation? How do we keep the fire burning?

"6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began," - 2 Timothy 1:6-9

Let me share three things about this blazing passion that we recently re-acquired.

1. The Gospel is the source of our passion. - The amazing work and life of Jesus is life changing. He is after all the source of our joy and strength. Therefore, He is our reason and our motivation for everything we do in our calling in life. When you feel God's love, it overflows and it becomes an unquenchable passion to live life and do our calling. That's the reason why we always go back to our relationship with God first, before others or the works of ministry. Our relationship with Him is important.

2. Our passion should be translated to clear actions. - It is really frustrating if we don't know where to start or the how-to's of the things we wanted to do. Imagine playing a computer game and you don't know what buttons to press or going to a mall, excited to buy something but you don't know where to find that store or that item. At the limit of your frustration, you will give up, put it to a stop, and shift to something else.

Great thing about being part of Victory is that we have a 1-2 punch combo, 121's (perosnal discipleship) and Victory Groups (group discipleship) plus a series of training and events that will enrich and nurture the growth of every disciples. Although we have the tools for it, are we conveying the message, its essence/the reason why we are having the tools, CLEAR enough for others to follow? Do we relay its VALUE and its importance? Is our life/lifestyle a loud message of our passion which is the GOSPEL?

3. Our clear actions is viral, don't limit it. - Viral things in the internet (like Oppa Gangnam Style or Ylvis - What does the fox say) are very attractive and that's why they become viral. It would be heretical or perhaps a great insult to God if you say the Gospel is not attractive as it is. If the Gospel is watered down of its attractiveness, the only reason of it will be its messenger. I'm not trying to demean anyone here but always remember that we already have the power (2 Timothy 1:7-8). Be confident and be bold. Never doubt about the Gospel for it is the absolute truth. It will be offensive for those who aren't open for it but it will be words of sweet honey for those who are ready for it.  We'll never know who's who but we just have to say it as it is. The life-changing experience of the Gospel is viral as it is, everyone would want to have that happen in their life.

Also, like any viral thing that would influence the things you do or being posted on any social media, and talked by friends, do the same thing with the passion that you lived for. If it takes teaching them to do it, then do it intentionally, clearly and be authentic. Always have the end in mind. The ball doesn't stop on you, you have to pass it.

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As I close, I believe it was Pastor Dan Monterde who said this in the camp:
"We are part of a mission that will never fail"