Throughout this book each stage comes with words on raising that stage in both a man, and in your sons. It carries the idea of resurrecting the stage in a wounded man, and raising our sons up to be men. And so let us look at how we raise the Sage.
"The greatest gift you give to a Sage is to sit at his feet and ask questions... It's important that we ask because often in humility the Sage will not offer until he is invited to do so. It's also important that we ask because quite often the Sage himself is not aware of all that he knows. It is the questions that stir his soul, and memory, as a smoldering fire leaps to life again when stirred. In this way we can help to raise the Sage."
Some of the greatest life lessons I've learned have been from asking questions. And from these questions have come some of the most profound words I've ever heard from men. Remember, a Sage is characterized by his compassion. You can't ask a question they will be annoyed with, and it through the questions that you will begin to tap into all they have to offer.
"Now, for you younger men, don't worry much about this stage, for it will come in due time. When you are young, commit yourself to take as few shortcuts as possible. Learn your lessons. Take note of all that God is teaching you. Submit to the journey. Be a student of the Scriptures. Hang out with the wise, living or dead, for that is how we, too, become wise."
For those of us that fall here, lets focus on the journey. As we progress through the stages we'll get here when it is time. And if we are intentional about the first five stages, this final one will happen naturally. So let's live and learn.
"You fathers of sons - the best you can do to prepare a boy for this stage is to begin the lessons of wisdom. In the woodshop and in the field, in the use of language and even in prayer, show him that there is a way things work. Your initiation will show him that the way of a fool is a fruitless way to live."
Be intentional, and work to initiate your sons. Set their feet on the path of righteousness, and teach them to know, serve, and love God. Be a King they are proud to follow, and one they strive to model. Have them imitate you as you imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11.1).
"As for you older men, if the Sage has gone undeveloped in you because you didn't take the journey or take not of the journey you have taken, well, you'd better get busy, 'cause times a-wastin'. At this point you haven't years to go back and gather through many experiences all that you need; you have best walk closely with God, let him focus you on what he'd have you learn now. Some of you just need to be a Beloved Son. Or perhaps a Lover. The wisest thing to do is to seek the communion with God that age and large amounts of time on your hands now allow for."
You're still breathing, so there is still time. Use it wisely. Pour into God in ways that you never have before, or maybe haven't for a long time. Allow him to speak to you. There may be things that still need healing, let Him heal. There are still things to learn, let Him teach. God isn't done with you yet, you're still here, so make the most of the time that is left. "The boy knows God as Father, the Cowboy knows God as the One who initiates, the Warrior knows God as the King he serves, the Lover knows God as his intimate One, and the King knows God as his trusted Friend. The Sage has a deep communion with God. This is a man... living on heaven's shore."
"Those of you older men who have been wounded, or dismissed - have you made a vow never to offer again? I have seen something of how painful that can be. Seek the comfort and healing Christ offer. Let your heart be restored, for you are needed. Despite your wounds, I urge you to offer. We need you to offer. Resolve, as Maclean did, to live and to offer."
Don't let your wisdom die with you. Share it because eventually someone will listen. And remember, you are not responsible for what people do with your words, simply to speak them with love. So speak.
Finally, when we come to the end, we must realize that this can be the time of our greatest contribution. We have the chance now, with the responsibilities of ruling passed to another, to simply invest in the lives of others. "Consider yourself a Sage, and ask yourself, 'What would I love to now be my greatest contribution?' Position and power are highly overrated anyway. Let the Kings shoulder those burdens. They are not your identity. What we need is your heart, and the life you've lived. Please - do not fade away... Make yourself available - the questions will arise in time. Offer yourself to a King you know - your pastor, or youth pastor, a missionary serving overseas with whom you can correspond, or a young businessman. Serve on the board of your church, or the local board of education. Take up pen and paper. Tell your story. This is not the time to be feeding geese."
The past few days I've talked about a pastor friend, a Sage I am blessed to know. He's handed the church off to a younger King, but he's still there. Now he's simply free to do the things he's most passionate about. He's investing still, and having great influence. This is a true blessing, both for him, and for others. And this is what we have to look forward to as Sage, the freedom to do something we are most passionate about.
"Father, I need you now, need you to the end of my days. I ask you to raise the Sage in me. Help me to become a man of genuine wisdom and compassion. [For you younger men:] Show me the Sages you have for me, both living and dead. Help me to find them, and sit at their feet. [For you older men:] Show me the men and women who need my counsel, and show me how to pursue them. Speak to me, Father, stir the fire in my heart. Show me what my contribution is now to be, and father me in making it with all my heart."
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
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