2 Timothy 1:5 (ESV) states, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” This is common: you see someone skilled, disciplined, and doing something admirable, and you can trace it back. You can always find someone who taught the person who taught them. Sir Isaac Newton taught us during the final stages of the Renaissance that an object remains at rest until an external force acts on it. It always takes an external force to get you to embrace the disciplinary requirements of life.
You might have preferred to have descended from heaven with fire and thunder. But, in the real world, everything we become is the result of others’ careful instruction and teaching. There are no spiritual giants whose journeys of faith cannot be connected to others. There is sufficient scriptural evidence to conclude that Moses received specific instructions and mentorship from Jethro, his father-in-law. Jethro was repeatedly referred to as THE priest of Midian. Gamaliel the Pharisee, Ananias, a disciple of Jesus (Acts 9:10-19), and, of course, Barnabas all provided Paul with instructions and guidance. Barnabas played an important role in Paul’s journey by validating his conversion testimony (Acts 9:26-28).
Fire Begets fire. It is a continuous chain from generation to generation. God has agents who are committed to teaching, training, and discipleship. Anyone who wants to build a solid spiritual foundation must submit to discipleship. You should have a trainer who helps with your spiritual development and evolution. It makes no difference whether you call this person Daddy, Mummy, Mentor, or Pastor. However, it is important that you spend enough time with them to light your inner candle. Hang around them to catch fire. Ademola Morebise’s faith and spiritual fire can always be traced back to the ministry of the revered Olufemi Ogundare. This is how the world works.
