[Priests in Britain] canvas posts in the church more vigorously than the kingdom of heaven; they get them and keep them like tyrants, and bring to them no luster of lawful behavior. They yawn stupidly at the precepts of holy men—if they ever do hear them, though they should constantly; while they show alert interest in sports and the foolish stories of worldly men, as though they were the means to life and not death…They have grabbed merely the name of priests, not the priestly way of life.
– Gildas, The Ruin of Britain
O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections.
– 2 Corinthians 6.11, 12
Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.
– Proverbs 4.23
Misguided affections
The problem with the pastors and shepherds in Britain in the early 6th century was that they had not disciplined their affections to delight in the right things. The priesthood for them was not a place to serve the Lord’s sheep but to seize whatever of this world’s possessions and diversions they could.
They coveted the next best opening in a church and, upon obtaining it, turned it into a play to tyrannize their flock. They dispossessed widows of their homes and openly denounced loose women while secretly welcoming them for their enjoyment. Seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness was a matter of the lips, not the life. Rather than lead illustrious and exemplary lives of “lawful behavior”, they gave in to every trivial and base diversion that they could find. They had no taste for sacred learning, only for stupid living.
The pastors of Britain were not guarding their hearts. Like the Corinthians who almost blew their churches apart, they were following misguided affections, desires, and delights. “They have grabbed merely the name of priests, but not the priestly way of life.”
The role of the sheep
Sadly, the people in the churches in Britain had, by Gildas’ day, become so much like their pastors that they were not inclined to improve matters. But what could they have done? What can we do?
We can pray. This is the first and constant duty of the people of God, to pray for those who lead, teach, equip, and serve them in the worship of God. Pray for them to be strong in the Word of God, hungry for more of Jesus, devoted to following the Spirit, and always remembering that they are called to serve, not seize.
But we must also work hard to make sure our own lives are defined by the teaching of God’s Word. The world and all pastors and every other believer may give full reign to their most vile affections, but we must not. Day by day, reading and meditating in God’s Word, we must reinforce the importance of delighting in the right things—in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and in His holy Law and Word. Delighting to discern and do His will. To serve others at every opportunity. To walk by faith and not by sight. To keep our own lives pure from all base interests, pursuits, and indulgences.
Finally, we must seek to disciple others. All Christians are called to make disciples (Matt. 28.18-20). All believers ought to be teachers (Heb. 5.12) and not just sit like helpless baby birds, eager to have the next bit of food stuffed into our gullet. We must make disciples as we are going—in our Personal Mission Field—by words and deeds of truth and love at every opportunity. We must study together, read great Christian books together, resolve to strengthen each other’s soul by every means, and hold one another accountable for a life rightly lived.
And we must, by our lives and example, make sure that those who shepherd and lead us are themselves the epitome of the righteousness and love of Jesus Christ. For without such shepherds to care for the Lord’s flocks, ruin is close at hand.
For Reflection
1. What can you do today to encourage your pastor in his walk with and work for the Lord?
2. How can you improve in the three areas mentioned here for all disciples?
Psalm 28.8, 9
(Angel’s Story: O Jesus, I Have Promised)
Our strength are You, O Savior, our strong defense and sure.
Anointed with Your favor, we rest in You secure.
Save us, and bless us, Jesus, upon us turn Your face.
With shepherd’s care, LORD, keep us forever in Your grace.
T. M. Moore
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Other columns of interest: This week: In our ReVision series on “The Church” we consider what the Church is and why we need it. Our Read Moore podcast continues through our book, If Men Will Pray. The focus of our Scriptorium daily study is on “Matthew: The Coming of the Kingdom.” Click here to see all the other columns and writers available to you.
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Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter.
