Today, July 27, 2024, marks the 110th Anniversary of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), a remarkable milestone for a church that emerged from humble beginnings in the Philippines.

According to their official website, the INC now has nearly 7,000 congregations and missions in 165 countries and territories. This proves to be a work of the hand of Lord.

This phenomenal growth prompts a reflection on the lessons I can draw from the church’s success.

The Flow of Blessings and Personal Stewardship

In worship services, it’s common to hear the homily and prayers emphasizing that the successes and blessings bestowed upon the church should also flow to individual members.

This brings me to an important self-reflective question: “Am I a good steward of the blessings I receive?”

Consider the parable of the talents: Am I like the servant who doubled his master’s wealth through investing in businesses and financial instruments, or am I like the one who buried his talent out of fear?

The essence of this lesson lies in how we utilize our blessings. The blessings of God are abundant and sufficient for all, but it’s up to me to harness them wisely and productively.

Claiming and Utilizing Blessings

Blessings of God are already set and plentiful, yet the real question revolves around having the wisdom and skills to claim and utilize them. This perspective is crucial, as it shifts the focus from passively awaiting blessings to actively seeking and making the most of them.

In practical terms, this could mean enhancing your skills, seeking new opportunities, and being proactive in my financial and personal growth. For instance, in line with the teachings written in the Bible, I might consider how I manage your finances and investments to ensure I am not just receiving blessings but also multiplying them.

The Financial Discipline of the Iglesia Ni Cristo

One of the notable practices of the Iglesia Ni Cristo is their approach to building houses of worship. The church pays for these structures in cash, avoiding debt altogether. This practice reflects strong financial discipline and stewardship.

While not everyone can save enough to buy a home outright, I can adopt similar principles by managing our finances wisely, such as paying off mortgages quicker and avoiding unnecessary debt.

The idea is to increase my capacity to earn and manage my resources effectively, which aligns with the broader concept of good stewardship. This approach requires continuous learning and adapting, much like the servant who actively sought to double his talents.

Seeking Guidance and Setting Goals

Much like the athletes vying for gold medals at the Olympics, having a coach or mentor can significantly impact my journey. In the context of personal and financial growth, this could mean seeking advice from financial planners, mentors, or even learning from successful figures within the community.

Setting clear, achievable goals is essential. Whether it’s professional milestones, financial targets, or spiritual growth, having a defined path helps maintain focus and motivation. The key is to ensure that these goals align with my ultimate purpose, as discussed in my other post: The Ultimate Goal Setting: Navigating Life with Purpose.

Conclusion: The Essence of Finishing the Race

The 110th Anniversary of the Iglesia Ni Cristo is not just a celebration of the church’s growth but also a reminder of the principles that have driven this success. It’s a call to reflect on our own lives and how we manage the blessings we receive.

Being a good steward involves actively working to enhance our capacities, seeking wisdom, and making informed decisions. It means setting goals, continuously learning, and staying disciplined in our approach to financial and personal growth.

As we celebrate this milestone, let’s take inspiration from the church’s journey. By applying these lessons to our lives, we can ensure that we not only start the race but also finish it strong, achieving our personal, financial, and spiritual goals.

Cheers!

Jun Pasion
MS365 Administrator | Cybersecurity | Managing my own finances