Spirit and Truth: The Importance Of Spiritual Director Revealed

Spirit and In Truth

   The last articles have dealt with Spiritual Direction and its importance.  After several comments from the readers, it dawned on me that I might like to establish some simple background statements on why we need to seek after the Spirit and Truth while we are in this world.

   Obviously, we are living in this world and just as obviously many times we get so caught up in the world that we lose perspective as to why we are really here.  This is why Spiritual Direction is so important.  Going to Church is important but remember Jesus Christ not only left us a Church, but he also taught us a way of life to get back to Him. Here are ten verses to read so that you too can see the importance of spirit and truth should be in your life. 

1 John 2: 4: He who says "I know him" but disobeys his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him;

1 John 2:22: Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.

1 John 4:20: If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.

Romans 1: 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of men who by their wickedness suppress the truth.

Romans 1:25: because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

Galatians 4: 16: Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?

1 Timothy 3: 15: if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth.

1 John 1: 6: If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not live according to the truth;

1 John 1:8: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 4:6: We are of God. Whoever knows God listens to us, and he who is not of God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

Now, if you had any doubts before about the importance of spiritual direction they should have dissipated when you realize what your purpose truly is here on earth. Our goal is to live in such a way on earth so that we can continue to live with Jesus Christ and God in Heaven.  No amount of wealth gained on this earth would be equal to the reward awaiting us in Heaven and no amount of money here on earth can buy us a ticket to heaven. This must be earned thought, words, and deeds done here on earth.  We walk the talk and we must be able to talk the walk.  

The Catholic Talk is a Facebook that I am a member of and I would highly recommend you join as well.  I wanted to point this out because of two comments that were made to an article that I wrote on Spiritual Direction that was posted in Catholic Talk.  One person commented,” I would love a spiritual director but our Priest is too busy and there is no one else in the parish that would qualify.  Maybe the Deacon but he is also very busy.”  This opinion is held by many people.  However, today, I would like to take this opportunity to answer not only their comment but to answer yours too.  Brother and sisters, a spiritual director does not have to be a priest or deacon.  A spiritual director does not even have to attend your parish, live in your city-state or country.  A spiritual director in the 21st century can be living halfway around the world, in another country, or even in another state.  We can not wait as a Church and you should not wait for others to be sold on a program to help.  Seek you the Lord first, last, and always.  He will lead you in the right direction. Spiritual Directors can be religious lay people or ordained religious people. 

Another comment on that article stated, “Good luck with that one, I can even get a priest for a confession.”  Brothers and sisters, priests can get overwhelmed and busy but one priest should not stop your salvation.  Remember you are doing this for Him (God) not the other way around.  God knows your heart and desires.  After reading this article and if you are having trouble finding spiritual direction please comment below.  Offer prayers to find a spiritual director and reach out and ask.  You will be glad you did- now and forever.  Amen