Читать книгу Hear the Ancient Wisdom - Charles Ringma - Страница 79

March 11

A Spiritual Companion

Living the Christian life is a calling each individual person must embrace and outwork. But such a life is not a solo

journey. There should be companions on the journey, guides along the way, mentors to encourage us.

The biblical story is clear. We need no one else except Christ to bring us to salvation. But we do need others to sustain us in our fidelity to the gospel and to encourage us in our growth towards wholeness and maturity. And we do need others in the joy of witness and service.

The early church father St. Basil talks about the importance of finding a person “who may serve you as a very sure guide in the work of leading a holy life.” He goes on to say that such a person must know “the straight road to God.”70

To be part of the community of faith is an important element in our Christian growth. So is having Christian friends. But to have a mentor or soul friend or spiritual director is a wonderful gift. Such a person can more specifically aid us in the deepening of our life in Christ. And such a person may help us in the important transition points of life.

But such a person must be characterized by humility and wisdom. He or she must know the ways of God and understand the workings of the Holy Spirit. And such a companion must understand psychological and social development as much as the path to spiritual maturity.

Prayer

Lord, grant that I may find such a companion in the journey of faith. Amen.