CHPL 598 discussion 1
As a chaplain and a spiritual leader, spiritual maturity is vital. Through spiritual maturity, one can control human weaknesses and focus on gaining strength from God. Since my salvation, I have encountered various challenges that have helped me grow in faith. When I accepted God as my savior and dedicated my life to serving others, I thought it would be an easy task. One of the critical issues that I have learned to attain as a chaplain is an emotional stability. A chaplain acts as the pillar to a diverse group of people. You must take in all the secrets and grievances of different individuals and give appropriate guidance. Initially, I perceived the task as challenging, but I have managed to gain emotional intelligence through practice and to seek guidance from God. I can easily solve a problem without feeling the pressure to discuss it with another person. Confidentiality and privacy are vital in the operations of all chaplains. I have improved the approach of reading the scriptures. It is only through mediation that an individual can understand what the scriptures highlight. Meditation can be attained by seeking guidance from fellow peers and praying to God. The consultation of others is good as highlighted in Psalms 1:1-6 which states “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore, the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.”
My current status as a military chaplain has exposed me to the practical aspect of chaplaincy. Working in a diverse environment is different from working in the church. Being a chaplain does not eliminate my human nature. I am exposed to challenging conditions faced by military personnel in the field. My current practice stresses the importance of accepting the calling by God. We are agents of God, and it is through us that God can touch other people’s lives. Through accepting my mandate as a chaplain, I will be able to help and change others to the kingdom of God.