Where Does Spiritual Direction Fit In Christianity and Methodism?
Oh what a foolish child I was! I can say that now, as a parent, for I see
now the wisdom of my parents’ advice so many times, so many years ago. Why am I reminded of this today? I have two teenagers who live under my roof
and each day it seems I open my mouth and hear either my dad or my mom
speaking. Oh what a foolish child I was!
We equate diplomas and accreditation with people who will
give us wise counsel. Most
My dad’s dad and I had it out a couple of times. He was a man hardened by struggle, who never
slacked off and provided for his family as he baked in the west Texas heat
maintaining oil wells for Gulf. I’ll not
ever forget the night when, with tears, he said to me, “Don’t be like me. Stay in school. Don’t be like me.”
One of the struggles in church (and society for that
matter) is that we have too many who seem to be saying the very opposite: “Be
like me!” I get the e-mails for
promotional books. I get the postcards
for the next conference. I hear
colleagues maintaining the idea that if we’d only be like this person or that
person, hold to this philosophical approach or implement these “cutting edge”
plans, we’ll be successful. Be like
me. Be like them. Be like us.
In his book, “Soul Care,” Kenneth Collins points out that
the sins of lust, drunkenness, and greed, dull our senses but so does boasting
in our intellect, freedom and refinement.
Collins writes,”To use [John] Wesley’s own words, ’Dozed with the opiates
of flattery and sin,’ these people imagine that they walk in great
liberty. It is actually a mistaken
freedom, however, a freedom not to serve God and neighbor, but only to continue
in sin (57).” This, I think, is one of
the blinders we install into our spirituality, namely, to ignore our sins in
all their forms. Another is to dismiss the need for spiritual direction for laity and clergy.
The role of spiritual direction, while not always
described by that term, is one of the foundation elements of the Christian
spiritual journey (and Methodism as well). Read the gospel
accounts of Jesus’ many conversations with people one-on-one. We find a pattern of questioning and
listening and then the plain, simple words of guidance Jesus gives. Paul’s and Peter’s letters reflect this. Look at Paul’s personal letters of direction
to Timothy, Titus and Philemon and we find Paul giving direction without
missing the opportunity give correction.
The Methodist movement has embraced the ministry of
spiritual direction and guidance from it’s inception. Steve Harper makes note that as Methodist
Christianity caught fire, John Wesley began relying on the example of spiritual
direction given to him by his parents.
Dr. Harper notes, “The grand principle which gave rise to their ministry
was ‘watching over one another in love’ – a clear reference to the spirit and
methodology of sound guidance (Prayer and Devotional Live of United Methodists,74).” Our soul care needs to be entrusted who care more for another than for the promoting of self.
It is important to note however that
as we watch over one another, we are not to make anyone feel weak, “…only
pilgrims on a way of formation that none of us is able to achieve ultimately or
perform perfectly (75).” Our lives
should be permeated by the fruit of the Spirit, for it is, “God's Spirit makes us loving, happy,
peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is
no law against behaving in any of these ways. And because we belong to Christ
Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires. God's Spirit has given
us life, and so we should follow the Spirit. But don't be conceited or make
others jealous by claiming to be better than they are. (Gal 5:22-26 CEV).”
From the informal direction from
friends and peers to the more formal relationship I have with a spiritual
director, I continue to experience and see the fruit of the Spirit being formed
in my life. This direction keeps me on
the rails, helping me recognize the change being done in my soul is only
evidenced in how I am living with other people in this world. A spirituality that only informs or conforms
and does not transform is not Christian spirituality.
At a time when our lives are hidden
behind our avatars and constructed social media images, the need for connection
and direction is all the more important.
None of us can simply assume it will happen but we must be
intentional. If you’re interested in
knowing more, read my thoughts here or better yet, I encourage you to visit Heartson Fire which is the website of United Methodist Spiritual Directors and has a
directory of UM directors. Or consider
Spiritual Directors International who also has a directory and maintains the
guidelines for spiritual directors.
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