Bethlen Évkönyv, 1993-1996 (Ligonier)
Dr. Eva M. Fabian: Qualifications, conflicts, compensations
Anteus, a Greek mythological figure, the son of mother earth Gaea, had to touch of his life ever so often just to keep alive. Every time, however, when he did so, he became stronger than before. Even when his enemies wrestled with him and threw him on the ground, he bounced back twice as strong because he touched the source of his life and strength. We Christians should be just like Antaeus. In order to become truly qualified elders, we have to be in constant communion with the Lord, the source of our life and strength, the Creator of our Christian character and qualities. Study the Bible with a good commentary, have Bible study in your church and attend it, go to conferences, take courses for lay people at neighboring seminaries. Obey God’s Word, pray, meditate in solitude, with your family, with the members of your church. Get deep in your devotional life: ask Christ for a new heart, a new life, a new character. We need these magic touches to keep us in contact with God’s divine power as He transforms us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. The fall of Anteaus also teaches us a lesson. Hercules defeated him by simply lifting him into the air. Separated from the earth, his source of life and power, Anteaus perished. In colonial times, the lifestyle of the officers the British crown sent to the colonies cracked a lot of jokes. Some of them continued observing all the traditional British ways of their home country. Though it seemed ridiculous in primitive conditions, personal hygiene, shaving and taking a shower every morning, having their meals at the exact time of the day, observing national holidays, pursuing England’s favorite sports belonged to their defense mechanism. Defense against what? Against losing their identity and becoming like the natives of the colonies. Some members of the ruling staff, however, carelessly neglected the lifestyle of their homeland. Their neglect resulted in losing their moral sensitivity, intellectual and cultural interests, even the care for their personal hygiene. In other words, they faded into their environment, became like the natives. Something similar can happen to us, Christians. Though we are not of this world, we live in this world. If we fail to 139
