Selfish Intention

            I really felt sorry for this week’s lesson. I never thought that Christian Crusade was just used by the Papa to increase their power. I thought crusade’s operation was just to restore and bring Jerusalem back.  I just learned that it was one of the causes of revival of Papal power. I just learned also that they were killing, raping, stealing, and other evil deeds in the name and for the sake of Christ. It really shocks and trembles me. The Papa was that eager to take back his power. He was willing to sacrifice the lives of others for his own gain.

            Thinking about my life in the past and present, I couldn’t remember any incident in my life that I sacrifice other’s interest, life, or any other things for my own selfish decision. As far as I know, it’s better to sacrifice your idea than to make trouble. Maybe there are instances in my life that I made circumstance that will abide to my plan or decision. And I think God was teaching me this past month not to trust on my own. I have a lot of plans and I fail to consider His plans. Maybe next time, whenever I will make a plan, I will consider his plan to avoid disappointments in life.

            In order to avoid making selfish decisions or plan just like what the Papa in Rome who wanted to revive his power, my plan should be first present to God through prayer. I will make a plan or a decision then after that I will pray about it. After that I will seek his will through reading the Bible. I will see to it from the scripture if my plan or decision is based on what God wanted me to do or He will. After praying and seeking his will, talk to those people whom I consider spiritually mature Christian and ask for their suggestion or advice. God may use them to guide me. After that, weigh everything. If your prayers have been answered, the scriptures affirm your plan, and your spiritually mature brother or sister agrees then do it. If not then don’t pursue.