Lenteraharapan.online – Jakarta, The Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenag RI) held the Opening Worship of the Work Week on Monday, February 17, 2025, as part of the Spiritual Development program for State Civil Apparatuses (ASN). The worship, which aims to motivate ASN to work more enthusiastically, diligently, and effectively, was led by Rev. Johanes Imanuel Tuwaidan, S.Th., M.Min.

The event, which took place within the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, was attended by the Director General of Christian Community Guidance (Bimas Kristen) of the Ministry of Religion, Mrs. Jeane Marie Tulung, the Secretary of the Director General of Bimas Kristen, Mr. Johni Tilaar, as well as officials and ASN within the Directorate General of Bimas Kristen.

Rev. Johanes Tuwaidan, a pastor from the Indonesian Christian Church (GKI) Palsigunung Depok, in his sermon, conveyed spiritual messages that aroused the spirit of work and service. He emphasized the importance of religious values in carrying out duties as ASN, and invited all worship participants to continue to improve their personal qualities and performance.

In the Christian Spiritual Development activity for State Civil Apparatuses (ASN) at the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenag RI), Rev. Johanes Imanuel Tuwaidan, S.Th., M.Min. delivered a reflection on “Understanding God’s Way of Thinking.” The event, which took place on Monday, February 17, 2025, aimed to improve the spirituality and performance of ASN within the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Rev. Johanes Tuwaidan, a pastor from GKI Palsigunung Depok, opened his reflection by quoting Ecclesiastes 3:11, which reminds us that humans are limited in understanding God’s plans. He then contrasted the way of thinking of humans who commonly associate happiness with wealth and prosperity, with God’s way of thinking which is often the opposite.

“Humans think that being rich is happy, but the Word of God says, ‘Blessed are those who are poor and hungry’,” said Rev. Johanes. He explained that through poverty and hunger, humans learn humility, appreciate small things, and become more creative in finding solutions. This is what he called the “Reverse Way of Thinking” in the style of God.

Rev. Johanes also emphasized the difference in focus between God and humans. “God sees the heart, but humans see appearances,” he said. According to him, a sincere heart will be tested through deeds and real work, while outward appearances can be deceiving.

To understand God’s way of thinking, Rev. Johanes explained two keys: first, through the Word of God, and second, by adopting the “Reverse Way of Thinking.” By understanding God’s way of thinking, ASN are expected to be able to be grateful in all situations, think positively, and see everything from the perspective of the goodness that God has designed.

Rev. Johanes Tuwaidan is not only known as a pastor, but also as an important figure in the world of church journalism. He is one of the founders of the Indonesian Church Journalists Association (PWGI), an organization that shelters Christian journalists in Indonesia. In addition, Rev. Johanes Tuwaidan is an alumnus of the Faculty of Theology, Christian University of Duta Wacana (UKDW) Yogyakarta, graduating in 1988.

This Early Work Week Worship activity is a routine agenda of the Directorate General of Christian Bimas of the Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia as a continuous effort in the spiritual development of ASN. Through this activity, it is hoped that ASN within the Ministry of Religious Affairs will be increasingly motivated to provide the best service to the community and the country, based on religious values and high work ethics.

(Writer: Mas Dharma EL.)