The Need of a Guide for Those Who Would Enter Upon and Advance in the Devout Life

In our journey toward a more devout and faithful life, just as Tobias needed someone to guide him to Rages, we too need a trusted guide to help us stay on the right path. This is a lesson Saint Francis de Sales emphasizes in Chapter 4 of his Introduction to the Devout Life—that seeking wise guidance is essential for anyone who wishes to grow spiritually.

When we want to advance in our faith, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed or unsure of where to start. It is easy to desire the holiness of saints like St. Catherine of Cordova or St. Teresa, who practiced great penances. But even these saints had guides—trusted individuals who gave them advice and helped them to discern the will of God in their lives. St. Teresa, for example, wanted to do rigorous penances, but her confessor advised her otherwise, reminding her that obedience to God is a higher virtue than penance. God himself told St. Teresa that her path of obedience was even more valuable than the penances she wished to perform.

This chapter highlights the importance of having a spiritual guide—someone who can help us discern God’s will and keep us on the right path, especially when we are uncertain or tempted to go astray. St. Francis de Sales draws from examples of saints, scripture, and wise sayings, emphasizing that a good spiritual guide can be a “faithful friend,” a treasure that will guide us through our struggles, help us avoid pitfalls, and strengthen us in times of weakness. They will serve as a spiritual healer and support us in our journey toward holiness.

Why We Need a Guide

Why is having a guide so important? Because on our own, we are prone to making mistakes, misinterpreting God’s will, or getting lost in our spiritual journey. A guide helps to provide clarity and direction, offering advice that keeps us from being misled or overwhelmed by our spiritual desires. St. Francis de Sales tells us that a spiritual guide is like a "healing balm" that strengthens and soothes us during spiritual trials.

Just as we seek advice from experts in areas of life where we lack experience—whether in education, business, or even daily matters like parenting—we also need a trusted spiritual expert. A spiritual guide helps us navigate the complex path of faith, giving us wisdom, correction, and encouragement along the way.

Finding the Right Guide

But how do we find the right person to guide us? St. Francis de Sales advises us to pray earnestly, asking God to provide us with a guide who is wise, full of love, and faithful to God. Our guide should be someone who leads us closer to God, not just with their words, but through their own example. Once we find this guide, we must trust them completely and follow their advice with humility and sincerity. In a way, we should look to our guide as if they were an angel sent by God to lead us on our journey to holiness.

We are reminded that this guide is not just another person offering advice, but someone God uses to speak to us. Therefore, we must be open with them about our struggles and desires, allowing them to correct our faults and confirm the good in us. This kind of relationship—one of trust and respect—is essential for our spiritual growth. Like a father guiding his child, our spiritual guide should be someone we can confide in while also respecting their wisdom and authority.

A Safe and Blessed Journey

In the end, St. Francis de Sales reassures us that with a good guide, our journey toward holiness will be safe and fruitful. He encourages us to remain steadfast once we find a guide, trusting that God has provided the right person to lead us closer to Him. With their help, we can make progress in our spiritual lives, overcoming challenges and growing in devotion.

Remember, seeking a guide does not mean weakness; rather, it is a sign of humility and wisdom. It acknowledges that we cannot do everything on our own and that we need help to fulfill God’s purpose in our lives. By entrusting ourselves to a spiritual guide, we show our willingness to obey God and follow His will for us.

So, as you journey toward a devout life, don’t hesitate to find that faithful friend who will walk with you. They will help you carry your burdens, give you strength in times of weakness, and help you become the person God has called you to be.

Let us pray for the grace to find and trust such a guide in our lives, as we continue on this path to holiness.