We all need a Guide in life

If Virat Kohli is the man of the moment in Indian cricket, then Sachin Tendulkar is not far behind - perhaps, he is even miles ahead of this new batting sensation.

Obviously, the wait for the 100th century was long for Sachin - much more to his liking, and the cricket fans around the world.
Though, not open about it, he surely felt the pressure when he went in to bat every single time - "would this be the moment?"
But sadly, it was not to be - for a while at least.
And no wonder, after he scored that century, with a huge sigh of relief he said like it felt he was 50 kgs. lighter after scoring that century.

Two days later, the man who has seen it all, even went to the extent of saying "I wish there was someone to guide me, about how to deal with this. I am not complaining but it happened for the first time", after he scored that elusive 100th Int'l century against Bangladesh during the Asia Cup in Dhaka.
Times of India put that on the headlines on Sunday's newspaper on 18th March '12.

While indeed there was no one who had ever scored 100 hundreds in Int'l cricket - the question to ask is:
"Was there really no one, who could have guided him?"
"Did he look around as to who he could possibly turn to?"

It seems like he was caught up with his own burden, and clearly thought or failed to see that there was no one out there who had trudged along similar terrain.
Sadly he missed out on being guided during the most strenuous time in his career, when he could have gained momentum and strength.

Much alike Tendulkar, Roger Federer too, had to wait for six long years since becoming No. 1 to win the French Open, a title that made critics agree he was the greatest ever. When Sachin was asked to compare the two situations, the Master paused, "I am sure what Federer went through was tough. I would not compare the 100th hundred with the French Open, rather it would be the World Cup. I had to wait 22 years and that wait was much longer (than Federer's)".

Again, we see a justification that his was a much longer wait than any body else.
Sachin had known Federer personally - so, he could have possibly sought his help or at least discussed things with him.
There are a number of others who have scaled such heights, whom he could have turned to.
But it was not to be!!

When we rationalize our viewpoint, we are in danger of missing out on learning a vital truth in life, which God wants us to learn.

- Do we miss a trick or two, because we feel that we are going through something which no one else has ever gone through?
- Do we feel over-confident that we can do things on our own without anyone's help?
- Do we think that no one else will ever understand, because they have just not gone through this themselves?

These are warning signals that we need to pay heed to. A sign that we are aloof and clearly not interested in the 'common good' & to learn from others.

The fact is, we all need A GUIDE IN LIFE.
In John 14;16, Jesus said, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever" - the word Counsellor (or) Comforter in some translations is the word 'parakletos' (or) 'parakleet' in Greek.
Though it doesn't have a one word meaning in our language today, it literally means ~ someone who comes alongside us and puts his hand over our shoulders and walks with us.

Jesus felt it was important that we have a guide in our spiritual journey and has given us the gift in the Holy Spirit, who is with us at all times.

And practically speaking, we all need A GUIDE / A MENTOR / A LEADER - to whom we are accountable and relating to on a regular basis - so we can maximize our learning experiences along the way.

Why do we need a Guide?
This is an extract from Pr. E.D. Chelladurai's message at the "Good Shepherd Community Church" in OM, Bangalore last week.

1) To save our soul
- Acts 8:31 - The Ethiopian Eunuch, needed Stephen to come alongside and explain to him the truth from the Scriptures.

2) To oversee our soul
- I Peter 2:25 / Hebrews 13:17 - Leaders are watchers over us
Primarily, Jesus is - but we need people around us too!

3) To help receive the anointing for our soul
- Elisha received the double portion of the anointing from his master Elijah