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A Guiding Atmosphere - Guide, Guard And Direct
Brian Mashburn
November 11, 2007
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A Guiding Atmosphere
I remember back in my youth ministry days, I was sitting with a student who had chosen me as a mentor. She was eager for life to the full, and for all practical purposes she was an orphan, spiritually speaking. She needed a "dad" if you will, a "teacher" in the practical living of life as Christ would have it...she needed a guide.
I was horribly under-qualified, but farther along than her. I remember her asking me this question: "Who is your mentor?"
I remember getting very quiet as my eyes welled up with tears, and my heart filling with the deep sorrow of guide-less-ness. Of course I had the Bible. And I had God's Spirit. Both of which were doing a fine job.
And yet, there I was, surprised by my longing for an in-the-flesh mentor. I wanted a guide. "I have outright asked people to mentor me," I remember saying, "I would do anything for a guide."
A popular public prayer that I heard many times growing up included the words: "Guide, guard, and direct us." Amen! I say. And I pray it anew for all of us today. "Guide me, God. Guard me, Lord. Direct me, Christ."
When we look at the life of the disciples of Christ in the gospels, we see the same desire coming out of them towards Jesus. Their questions, responsiveness, and follower-ship of Jesus shows their deep and personal desire for Jesus to "guide, guard, and direct" them in their lives and actions.
You know, the whole world needs guidance. Loving, patient, humble, wise, caring, long-suffering, Christ-like guides.
Jesus was their guide, and he sent his disciples out as guides too. And now he sends you.
You don't have to have it all mastered. You only need to be willing to relationally share with others the ground you've traveled.