Chapter 5


IMPORTANCE
OF
ADVANCEMENT IN SPIRITUAL MATURITY

By
The Man Who Saw God Face To Face
Raphael Okechukwu Nweze


The Teacher, Master and Perfect

8 But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:8-12

The above quotation can be re-written as follows:

Do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Holy Spirit. Do not be called Master, for One is your Master, the Christ. And do not be called Father; for One is your Father, the Almighty Father.

         Therefore, a person is called Teacher, simply because the Holy Spirit works through him. Also, a person is called Master, simply because the Christ in him has become manifest. And a person is called Father, simply because the Almighty in him does His work through the person. With time, the active saint graduates as teacher, master or perfect one. These three sets of people (devotees, pilgrims) are highly evolved ones. They are characterized by the following attributes:
  1. They have an immense awareness of God.
  2. They seek and work for the happiness of others.
  3. They are not attached to a particular church, religion or sect. They see, understand and approach issues from universal (true) perspective.
  4. They are usually quiet, gentle and silent.
  5. They are full of knowledge, wisdom and love.
  6. They experience bliss.
  7. They are visited by the Angels.
  8. They visit the heavenly kingdoms.

Jesus Was As A Role Model (A Very Good Example)

         Jesus came to:
  1. Demonstrate what man is.
  2. Demonstrate the nature of man.
  3. Show how man should live and relate with his fellow men.
  4. Show the relationship between God and man.
  5. Emphasis the need for life in spirit and in truth.
  6. Show man how to solve people’s problems.
  7. Serve as a light to the nations, providing knowledge, understanding, insight, foresight, wisdom, solutions and counsel.
  8. Show that every statement He made about Himself equally applies to man.
The Importance Of A Teacher/(Guru)/Master/Saviour
         A plane does not fly without a pilot, just as a ship does not sail without a captain. The teacher (guru) provides the following benefits:
  1. He provides guidance, and thereby eliminates unnecessary delays.
  2. He provides teachings and corrections. Hence, he helps people prevent misconceptions and false beliefs.
  3. The Holy Spirit flows through him to his followers/students, transforming their lives.
  4. The pilgrims have a ready, available and accessible guide from whom they can easily ascertain.
  5. There is spiritual joy, comfort and security in the presence of a teacher.
  6. Because of his presence and services, there are less mistakes and failures.
  7. Because he is enlightened and advanced in spiritual maturity, stagnation and complacence is avoided.
  8. He induces faith and confidence in the pilgrims.
  9. He prevents or corrects misinterpretation of sacred texts (scriptures).