Supremely, spiritual directors/mentors/pastors are persons who have a sense of being 'established' in God. Otherwise they are too dangerous to be allowed into the soul space of others.
Interpretation
True spiritual guides must have a deep connection to their faith to be safe mentors for others.
Richard Foster emphasizes the importance of spiritual directors, mentors, or pastors being firmly rooted in their faith in God. Those who lack this grounding can negatively impact others' spiritual journeys, making it crucial for such individuals to have a profound sense of their own spiritual establishment before guiding others.
In practice
In a sermon about choosing the right spiritual mentor, this quote highlights the essentials of being grounded in faith.
Pride is one of the socially acceptable sins in some corners of the evangelical culture. It's just straight-out ego gratification - how important I am; whether my name gets on the building or on the TV program or in the magazine article.
Leadership is an act of submission to God. To be a leader means listening to all kinds of people and situations. Out of that listening, we are hoping to discern the mind of God as best we can. This is the price of leadership - it's an act of sacrifice. So leadership is part and parcel of the work of submission to God.
A Prayer of Anselm My God, I pray that I may so know you and love you that I may rejoice in you. And if I may not do so fully in this life let me go steadily on to the day when I come to that fullness . . . Let me receive That which you promised through your truth, that my joy may be full.
You must know how to translate the indications of the word into daily witness, allowing yourselves to be formed by the word which, like seed sown in good soil, brings abundant fruit. Thus you will remain docile to the Spirit and grow in union with God, you will cultivate fraternal communion among yourselves and be ready to serve your brethren generously, especially those most in need.
Prayer is not so much a way to find God as a way of resting in him...who loves us, who is near to us.
When we pray to God we must be seeking nothing - nothing.
In using all means, seek God alone. In and through every outward thing, look only to the power of His Spirit, and the merits of His Son. Beware you do not get stuck in the work itself; if you do, it is all lost labor. Nothing short of God can satisfy your soul. Therefore, fix on Him in all, through all, and above all...Remember also to use all means as means-as ordained, not for their own sake.
The central point of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ is a personal relationship with Him, not public usefulness to others.
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