And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him.
Acts 8:31 NKJV
Globally, there is a shortage of figures who can inspire new generations, especially the youngest. In fact, we speak of educational poverty meaning a lack of adult guidance, emotional containment, support in developing their talents, and failure to recognize the people that children are. The question of “the official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, overseer of all her treasures” to Philip, however, highlights another need, that of people characterized by a deep feeling of love who care for the Lord's flock. Men and women who through their own lives demonstrate the validity of Jesus' message, who take care like the apostle not to give false references: “Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:26-27). This is a constant commitment to a discipline that daily bends us into the form of Christ, to be in “His image.” The job of a leader is to prepare people for service, to teach them the path to wholeness by offering their own lives as an example. A wise guide will prepare others to do what he himself already does. Also crucial is the attitude of the eunuch, who claims Philip's help and allows himself to be taught by him, recognizing his own limitations.
Unfortunately, we continue to witness false servants who, having undressed their aprons, put on royal robes, neglecting the Master's instructions and bending Scripture to their liking. Even in the first group of disciples a destructive pride and a form of almost compulsive self-centeredness crept in. One thinks of the sons of Zebedee and the disciples quarreling at the Lord's table, turning humble service into an upward competition for the best seat. Today the chase is to climb the ladder of social visibility, to the most consistent number of “followers” (who are not the faithful believers!), and to pursue it sometimes the question of salvation is turned into a miserable and squalid religious business. And so it is that globally we have become almost addicted to internal power struggles and divisions, fueled and/or amplified by financial and sex scandals of some anchorman (no reference to specific facts and/or persons). What is more worrying is the doctrinal drift that accompanies the phenomenon. Behind idolatrous forms of preachers elevating themselves to the role of divine mediators are biblical heresies with a flavor of conquest. This is a compromised gospel. Leadership is anything but.
Scanning backward through history, we should draw on the example of George Whitefield, who in the 18th century prayed thus, “O Lord Jesus, may your Spirit eradicate from our hearts this inclination to focus on self-love and stubbornly fossilize our will.” All it takes is a little sincere honesty to recognize that this inclination is latent in everyone, and that is why we must discipline ourselves. The Master still urges us today to follow Him by the path He has already laid out, assuring us that He would make us fishers of men, “and He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men’ ” (Matthew 4:19). Following Christ is not about satisfying a moment's desire, but allowing Him to train us to the rank of “fishers of men.” Jesus challenges us to follow Him not to give us a fish, but to make ourselves guides for others. Without love it will be impossible to serve one another with a spirit of sacrifice and humility, forgive one another and treat one another as brothers and sisters. This is His holy will. “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:1-4).
I pray for you that you may have before you one or more exemplary and holy guides, so that you can assimilate the best to be in turn a guide for others.
Weekly Bible Reading Plan # 41
October 07, Isaiah 30-31; Philippians 4
October 08, Isaiah 32-33; Colossians 1
October 09, Isaiah 34-36; Colossians 2
October 10, Isaiah 37-38; Colossians 3
October 11, Isaiah 39-40; Colossians 4
October 12, Isaiah 41-42; 1 Thessalonians 1
October 13, Isaiah 43-44; 1 Thessalonians 2
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