The Way Of The Spiritual Leader - 139 Chapter 2. The Work Of A Minister Section 1. Minster And Prayer 4) Prayer Vigil 4. Father's Life of Prayer
I think that church leaders should sleep outside for 10 nights out of a month of 30 days, without returning home. They should spend all night with members, sharing stories together. If I ask you to do it, all of you would run away. What do you think? Would you not? [No.]
That is what I did. In 1957, when I was witnessing to members, I did not sleep at night. The best way of bringing results is a one on one. When I was giving a lecture to one person, I thought that I was giving it to an audience of a thousand people. I thought that that particular person could determine the lives of several thousands or even several tens of thousands. In order for you to make that person follow you, whatever directions, it is all the more reason why you must make special conditions for that person even more to motivate him or her.
Well, if each one of you can become such an individual through me, and Americans can become such people through you, this America will revive. Then, three-stage relationship will be formed. You will be united with me, and local members will be united with you. This is what should be done. You should become one with local members. Why should it be in three stages? Because it is as though God and Adam were to united as one, and Adam and his son were to be also united as one. That is a principle.
Unless the three stages are established, nor can the four position foundation. Do you understand what I mean? That is why you should be able to make others like you on the personal level. . . That is the question. (96-285)
While walking this path, I feel being led by an irresistible force beyond my control. Since joining the church, you too must be feeling that you are being pushed by an invisible, but great force. On the contrary, you, however, get more energy when sworn by others or experiencing hardships.
Even myself, when my legs are too swollen to walk, I would push them, saying: "You, legs, you must keep on walking for God." That is why I used to stay up all night, listening or talking to members. (97-209)
For this reason, you must make special effort. When doing it, you should not do it for no clear reason or purpose or goal, but keeping a certain person in mind. When I did it for a person in particular, if I thought that he or she might be hungry or in half-clothed, I prayed for that person, fasting and without being dressed warmly, even in a cold weather. Due to such a standard, I could come to lay the foundation that I have today.
I shed many tears without letting others know. When I saw pitiful people, to help them, I felt like bringing them everything in the world. Even if I did it, would you call it a sin? If you are greedy with a desire to give or help others, even God will praise you. It is so because your motivation is not to enjoy your own personal life but to benefit others. Although you suffer now, if you are greedy to benefit others in the future, it is good.
When a doctor holds a scalpel, can he be dozing because it is midnight? Likewise, those who are responsible for others' lives, should be as serious as that surgeon. When seeing you from this view, all of you seem to be people who will drift away. (42-168) |