This is my summary of what I learned from Jack and Irene Suderman during their teaching trip to the Philippines earlier this year. I took this notes out as reminder to me. I have been entrusted with more leadership responsibilities. My use of power must be consistent with the character of Jesus’ use of power
Power, as I understand in the life and work of Jesus, is the Spirit-energized, transforming capacity I receive to actively advance the purposes of God–love, justice, mercy, peace–in and through me, as I incarnate myself among the people I love even at the point of giving my own life, yet not taking other human lives, for them.
This means, in cases and situations where I have to use this power, I must —
:: Draw closer to the situation — from journey to arrival;
:: Deepen my identity — from solidarity to embodiment;
:: Strengthen my covenant — from perseverance to permanence;
:: Clarify my sense of peoplehood — from chosen particularity to inclusive discipleship;
:: Re-orient my mission — from affirming what is good to liberation from evil;
:: Illuminate my strategy — from entitlement to vulnerability.
(Inspired by Jack Suderman)
