Spiritual Direction: Godly Advice from Fellow Believers

Following Christ was never meant to be a solo journey. Spiritual direction is the help of a mature believer coming alongside another, so that together they recognise the Spirit's leading and grow toward maturity in the ways of God.

What Is Spiritual Direction?

This is help given by a mature Christian to another less conversant in the ways of God, enabling that person to develop and come into a greater maturity in their Christian walk. It involves actively learning from others who are also on the pathway of life, yet with the agenda set by the Holy Spirit. Discernment is vital for the director, who serves as a model and trusted listener, guiding the directee (or learner) to ascertain personal divine leading by recognising the activity of God in their life and responding appropriately, so that godly character results.

It requires someone with whom there is a bonding and trust that enables a confidential sharing of the inner life (Jas 5:16). The aim is a supportive relationship that helps another person grow in their response to the Spirit, involving sharing, reflection, questions, accountability and maybe challenging exercises or disciplines, besides passing on insights gained.

Would this practice be of benefit to me?

Spiritual direction can be either formal or informal. Some people choose to work with a spiritual director on a regular basis to consciously focus on developing spiritual practices (called disciplines), while others participate in a tight-knit, same-sex, small group where a few members who are serious about their walk with the Lord dare to be honest and open about their needs and struggles, helping each other into wholeness in Christ through sharing insights, giving support and holding each other accountable while maintaining confidences – for in an abundance of counsellors there is safety (Prov 11:14).

The Church Context and the Ultimate Director

The fellowship of the local church, of which Christ is the head (Col 1:18), is the context for spiritual direction and spiritual growth. This often happens informally through our interaction with other believers as we help each other move in the right spiritual direction, besides the teaching from the pastors and other leaders.

The Holy Spirit who lives in each believer is the ultimate Spiritual Director (Rom 8:14; 1 Cor 6:19). While God works through our fellow believers, why not go directly to the source of divine enlightenment? Yet having received from the Lord, it is wise to run what He has shown us past a mature believer before acting on it – especially in major issues – for their prayerful input can confirm, clarify or gently correct the direction we believe we have received.

The Holy Spirit wants to guide us directly

Biblical Models, Warnings and Related Roles

Jesus mentored the disciples (Mk 3:14), while Ananias ministered to the new Christian Paul (Act 9:10-19), who later shepherded Timothy and Titus (1 Tim 1:2-3; 2 Tim 2:2; Tit 1:4-5). However, this concept can be taken to an unwholesome intensity, as happens in the shepherding movement.

Although similar, mentoring is where the agenda is set by both the mentor and mentee and involves a particular context in which improvement is gained.

Counselling, meanwhile, is discussing problems through an awareness of what has happened, in a safe confidential environment and with a rational mind, working towards a positive resolution.

Reflection and Application:

Ask God to lead you to a mature, trustworthy believer and invite them to speak into your walk.
Practise honest, open sharing in a small group, holding one another accountable while maintaining confidences.
Remember the Holy Spirit within you is the ultimate Director; go directly to Him for guidance.
Guard against unhealthy dependence on any human leader, keeping your eyes fixed on Christ.