How to Study Those Who Live Brilliantly
How to Study Those Who Live Brilliantly
A Word From Athanasius of Alexandria
A Word from Athanasius of Alexandria
One cannot possibly understand the teaching of the saints unless one has a pure mind and is trying to imitate their life. Anyone who wants to look at sunlight naturally wipes his eye clear first, in order to make, at any rate, some approximation to the purity of that on which he looks; and a person wishing to see a city or country goes to the place in order to do so. Similarly, anyone who wishes to understand the mind of the sacred writers must first cleanse his own life, and approach the saints by copying their deeds. ― Athanasius of Alexandria, On the Incarnation
“What is the one thing Paul said he taught in all the churches?”
This bit of Bible trivia was featured in a post by Michael Bird. Like most, I thought of answers like justification by faith, grace, forgiveness of sins, etc. While it is likely that he taught those things, the question is: what did he specifically say he taught in all churches?
The answer is found in 1 Corinthians 4:16-17, “I appeal to you, then, be imitators of me. For this reason I sent you Timothy, who is my beloved and trustworthy child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ Jesus, as I teach them everywhere in every church.”
In other words, he taught by word and example. “Be imitators of me.” This course of study would certainly lead those students of Paul to not merely learn of him, but become like him. This is what Athanasius suggests in his quote.
It took me a long time to grasp this simple concept because much of the formal education in the West is focused on transferring information. Its aim is to help the student pass a test. The day I began paying attention to what those saintly people did, and began integrating some of those practices into my own life, was the day I began to educate my body, my habits, my soul, my life.
There is no substitute for experience. Those women and men who have lived brilliantly for Christ have left us a map that leads to great treasure. To get there we must hear and do.