11.10.16

Becoming a Sage


What is a sage? Why are they so important in all societies? It’s not about being the oldest, loudest, or wealthiest person in the room. Check out the following:

  • A sage is someone who is respected and venerated for their experience, sound judgment, and wisdom. They are noted for providing counsel, exhortation, and encouragement.
  • One who uses personal knowledge of people and the world to help tell stories and offer guidance that may impress upon his audience a sense of who they are and who they might become, thereby acting as a mentor.
  • A typical sage may get theological, but they tend to be more down-to-earth.   They are able to understand and speak about life more in terms of natural causes and consequences based on long experience and observation.  Read “The Preacher as Sage”.
  • In business, the sage is the person that everyone listens to. They need not be in the position to implement the changes they propose, but when they propose a solution to a problem it gets taken seriously by those who can make the changes. Think high quality consultant. 
  • In Israel, elders were the consulting body of the city, the nation, or the king respectively, and as such were considered to be ‘the wise’.
  • Ancient cultures have historically place elders in honored social roles. As judges, leaders, shamans, and seers, elders helped instruct the young, guide the social order, and foster spiritual exploration.
  • To become sages, we must learn to lead without dominating others, to make compassion the ruling principle of our actions, and to serve the whole with a multi-generational purpose.
  • Sages tend to be knowledgeable individuals, filled with understanding and wisdom – often outwardly tranquil, yet filled with the joy of life.
  • Native American elders are known as "wisdom keepers". The elder, through the blessings of long life, remains with the tribe and takes on a guiding role.

 

Have you thought about your role in life as you mature and grow in knowledge, experience and wisdom? Are you in the process of evolving and becoming a sage? See if you can identify the elder sages quietly at work within your communities.


* Just FYI, check out this YouTube video on "Sages for the Ages", a sermon by Pastor Joel Hunter.

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