Practicing Secrecy in an Age of InfluenceSampel

Be the Participant, Not the Guide

Yesterday, we considered what it means to "be the guide, not the hero" in daily life. A guide focuses their energy on directing people to someone greater than themselves. A guide constantly deflects the glory and praise that comes their way onto the One, who is their strength and the sole source of their wisdom.

Over time, as we are given more and more opportunities to be the guide at home, work, or in our communities, we need to be aware of the potential for pride to begin to grow, tempting us to think that we are now the hero. Because of this potential trap, it is vital for each of us to regularly and intentionally be the participant, not the guide. Taking on the role of a participant has a way of reminding those who are often in the role of the guide that Jesus is ultimately the Hero, not us.

For those accustomed to being the guide, taking on the participant role does not come easy. Why? It requires a shift in posture that often exposes layers of pride deep in the recesses of our hearts.

So, what does being the participant and not the guide look like? Here are three things to consider:

#1: Taking on the role of a participant in an environment where we are often called upon to be the guide reminds us of our need for continuous learning (see Proverbs 1:5). Sadly, though, the longer we are in the role of the guide, the more likely we are to fall into the trap of thinking that we have arrived.

#2: A participant is willing to sit under the teaching of other guides with a tender heart open to hearing whatever God might want to say to them (see Matthew 7:2). In practice, this is easier said than done. Often, our need to be seen by others leads to a closed heart that is quick to criticize and deeply in need of confession.

#3: A participant takes on a posture of humility that acknowledges that my knowledge and experience on any given topic will always be incomplete (see Philippians 2:3). Humility continuously drives us back to Jesus, the ultimate Hero. Safely in His presence, our eyes are opened to the wisdom He has given others, both young and old.

As you go, consider the areas of your life—at home, work, or in your community—where Jesus has given you the responsibility of being the guide. How might you regularly switch seats, taking on the role of a participant in one or more of these areas? And is there any area of your life where pride has crept into your heart, causing you to believe the lie that you are the hero?