In a world increasingly marked by ambiguity and relativism, the distinction between the holy and the profane becomes ever more crucial, particularly among those of us who claim the titles of Bishops and Apostles in the Christian faith.
Over the last few weeks I have become very fascinated with the writings of Saint Augustine. Saint Augustine, a towering figure in Christian theology, once wisely said, "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity." This profound statement underscores the importance of discernment and the necessity of maintaining a clear separation between what is sacred and what is worldly.
The Burden of Leadership in Faith
For those of us who bear the mantle of religious leadership, like Bishops and Apostles, the call to differentiate the sacred from the secular is not just a personal responsibility but a public testament of our faith. As Saint Augustine elegantly puts it, "Wrong is but falsehood put in practice." This implies that the actions as spiritual leaders must reflect the truths we preach. When we indulge in behaviors that are at odds with the values we are supposed to uphold, it creates a dissonance that can shake the faith of those we lead and mar the image of the church as a whole.
Holiness vs. Worldliness: A Clear Demarcation
The struggle to maintain holiness in a world that often celebrates the profane is a challenge for all believers, more so for those of us in positions of authority within the church. Saint Augustine's insights are particularly relevant here: "To many, total abstinence is easier than perfect moderation." This suggests that for those of us entrusted with guiding others in faith, there may need to be a more stringent separation from worldly practices – not as a sign of superiority, but as a necessary step to avoid the slippery slope of moral compromise. It is so much easier to go to the left when times get hard, when we allow the door to remain open.
The Echoes of Authenticity in Leadership
The essence of Christian leadership lies in authenticity – living a life that echoes the teachings of Christ. Saint Augustine reminds us, "The truth is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself." Therefore, a true Bishop or Apostle doesn't just speak of holiness but embodies it in their everyday life, setting a standard for others to follow.
The Call for Heartfelt Examination
In witnessing the conflation of the holy and the profane among some leaders, we must also heed Saint Augustine's advice: "Return to your heart." This call for introspection invites us to examine our hearts continually, ensuring that our actions and beliefs are in harmony. It's a call to guard against the hardening of our hearts and to remain true to the sanctity of our faith.
Conclusion
The role of a Bishop or an Apostle carries with it a profound responsibility to uphold the sacred, to be a living example of the teachings of Christ. As Saint Augustine puts it, "The measure of love is to love without measure." In their leadership, love, compassion, and integrity must be the guiding principles, creating a clear demarcation between the holy and the profane. In doing so, they uphold the truth of the faith, ensuring that its authenticity is never in question.
From the Episcopal Desk of
+Martin Wilson
Sacred College CEO
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