In recent days, I've read about Paula White, a televangelist and spiritual advisor to President Donald J. Trump. Every president has had a prophet, a pastor, a spiritual guide to whom they have turned. In refuting those who are protesting present immigration policies by claiming that Jesus was also an illegal alien (when his family migrated to Egypt), Pastor White has countered that Jesus never broke laws, for if he had, "he would never have been our Messiah." I disagree with White's interpretation, but that is not the point of this writing.
I have been thinking about those who are and have been my spiritual advisors, my mentors and counselors. Once, just when I had bid farewell to my first parish, I was deeply troubled in spirit. A friend had died suddenly. I got a call from the grieving family, inviting me to return to do the funeral service. In my mind, I had every reason to return. Then a friend and fellow pastor took me aside and said, "It's not your place. You are gone. You cannot go back without doing harm." It was not what I wanted to hear, but those wise words were what I needed to hear. A true spiritual advisor tells us what needs to be said even if it challenges our own ideas and practices.
When I was a senior at Eden Seminary, my dad was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. I had decided that I would forgo my final semester, postponing graduation in order to care for my parents. I was standing in the aisle in the seminary chapel, relating my plan to a wise professor who said, "You will be of more help to your parents if you finish your education and follow your call." For a time, that counsel caused deeper soul searching. It was not what I wanted to hear, but what I needed to hear.
In these days, as I settle more completely into my call and new life in Washington, there are spiritual advisors whom I trust to speak the truth. There are voices that call me to accountability. There are those friends and colleagues who do not let me alone. They speak wise counsel--not necessarily what I want to hear, but what I need to hear.
One of those spiritual advisors spoke when I was installed in April. Bishop Dwayne Royster reminded me of a higher calling that is grounded in the counsel of the prophet Micah. "What does the Lord require of you? To do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). I seek to be a spiritual advisor who speaks and serves with integrity and truthfulness.
O Righteous One, when I am called to be a spiritual advisor, a pastor, to another seeker on the way, remind me of what you require. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be just and true. Move me from pleasing others to serving you. May my life and ministry be grounded in deep reverence and humility, for you alone are God. I am grateful! Amen.
I have been thinking about those who are and have been my spiritual advisors, my mentors and counselors. Once, just when I had bid farewell to my first parish, I was deeply troubled in spirit. A friend had died suddenly. I got a call from the grieving family, inviting me to return to do the funeral service. In my mind, I had every reason to return. Then a friend and fellow pastor took me aside and said, "It's not your place. You are gone. You cannot go back without doing harm." It was not what I wanted to hear, but those wise words were what I needed to hear. A true spiritual advisor tells us what needs to be said even if it challenges our own ideas and practices.
When I was a senior at Eden Seminary, my dad was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. I had decided that I would forgo my final semester, postponing graduation in order to care for my parents. I was standing in the aisle in the seminary chapel, relating my plan to a wise professor who said, "You will be of more help to your parents if you finish your education and follow your call." For a time, that counsel caused deeper soul searching. It was not what I wanted to hear, but what I needed to hear.
In these days, as I settle more completely into my call and new life in Washington, there are spiritual advisors whom I trust to speak the truth. There are voices that call me to accountability. There are those friends and colleagues who do not let me alone. They speak wise counsel--not necessarily what I want to hear, but what I need to hear.
One of those spiritual advisors spoke when I was installed in April. Bishop Dwayne Royster reminded me of a higher calling that is grounded in the counsel of the prophet Micah. "What does the Lord require of you? To do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). I seek to be a spiritual advisor who speaks and serves with integrity and truthfulness.
O Righteous One, when I am called to be a spiritual advisor, a pastor, to another seeker on the way, remind me of what you require. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be just and true. Move me from pleasing others to serving you. May my life and ministry be grounded in deep reverence and humility, for you alone are God. I am grateful! Amen.
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