These days, we live amidst a flood of words. Countless words overflow, yet authoritative words are hard to find. The power and authority of words come from the harmony of words and deeds. Words lack authority when actions and life do not follow them. Words without life are nothing but noise.
For the Desert Fathers, practice was more important than words. Therefore, they taught disciples not through words but through actions and by setting an example with their lives. Even after accepting disciples, the masters remained silent. They rarely gave direct commands to their disciples. The core of their teaching was simply, 'Do as you see.' One monk said, "Did I become the head of the community to issue orders? I say nothing. But if the disciple wishes, he will watch what I do and act accordingly."
Disciples learned more from observing the lives of their masters than from their words. The "Life of Anthony" testifies that many visitors came just to see him. Simply watching him brought them joy and inspired good thoughts within them. A brother who visited Anthony regularly reportedly said, "Master, it is enough for me just to see you." In the desert, Anthony became a kind of lighthouse, guiding countless people back to God. This is the fruit produced by teaching through life! The spiritual essence of the enormous community called 'koinonia'
Pacomius, the spiritual master of the community known as 'Koinonia,' observed the rules alongside the other brothers, without enjoying any privileges or exceptions as an elder, setting an example through his actions rather than words.
A master becomes a master more through the example of life than words. Another monk said, 'A life without words is better than words without life. Some give inspiration in silence, while others hinder life with loud speech. When words and life align, we have virtue.
The Church Fathers taught by action and example, living among their disciples and showing leadership through silence and initiative rather than authority or commands. A profound character is a condition of being a master.
In the relationship between teacher and disciple, the teacher is a role model, not merely a conveyor of rules. He becomes a ruler through his words, but even more firmly through his actions. Abba Isidore of Pelusium said, "A silent life is better than words without life. Some give inspiration in silence, while others disturb with loudness. When words and life correspond, all ascetic practices will take shape."
Our era needs teachers—no, craves them. We need role models to emulate. But how and where should we seek out teachers? They say 'life speaks.' This is likely the primary criterion for identifying a true teacher. If we are not careful, we can easily be deceived. Those who seek to reveal themselves through loud and flashy words are often counterfeits. They may be internally empty and lacking substance. We must not be beguiled by words or outward appearances. We must look at the person's character and life.
The teachers we should emulate are not easily seen, but they are actually hidden among us. Such people do not readily reveal themselves. Let's take a closer look at our daily lives and surroundings. We will surely find people who, though not flashy or boastful, radiate depth in their lives and character. We fail to see them. Those who live their lives authentically become benchmarks for others. We, too, will become such when we strive to communicate through our lives.
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