SHOULDERS OF GIANTS

As I sit in my study, surrounded by worn leather-bound volumes of Scripture, commentaries from the early Church Fathers, and the faded journals of my own forty-eight years in ministry, I am reminded of a profound truth articulated by Sir Isaac Newton centuries ago: "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Though Newton spoke as a scientist, these words resonate deeply in the life of a minister like myself. In our calling to shepherd souls, proclaim the Gospel, and navigate the complexities of human existence, we do not stand alone. We are elevated by the giants who have gone before us, those faithful servants whose lives, teachings, and sacrifices form the sturdy foundation upon which we build.

I have served in pulpits from rural chapels in the American South to bustling urban congregations on the East and West Coasts, and in every season, this principle has been my guiding light. Today, I want to share with you why embracing the legacy of these giants is not just a scholarly pursuit but a spiritual imperative. It allows us to see farther into the horizons of God's kingdom, to minister more effectively in our turbulent times, and to avoid the pitfalls of reinventing the wheel in isolation.

The Giants of Our Faith: Pillars That Lift Us Higher

I have to begin by acknowledging some of these giants, whose shoulders have borne the weight of generations. In the Scriptures, we encounter towering figures like Abraham, the father of faith, whose unwavering obedience in Genesis 22, offering Isaac on the altar, teaches us about surrender and divine provision. "The Lord will provide Himself a sacrifice," words spoken by a father to his questioning son. Standing on Abraham's shoulders, we see farther into the mystery of God's faithfulness, even when circumstances scream otherwise. In my early days of ministry, I drew from Abraham's story to counsel my young family on the brink of financial despair. "God will provide," I assured them, echoing the ram in the thicket. And He did, through unexpected offerings that restored our faith in God's provision.

Then there is Moses, the reluctant leader who parted seas and delivered the Law. His encounters with God on Mount Sinai remind us that true ministry flows from intimate communion with the Divine. Moses' humility, "Who am I that I should go?" (Exodus 3:11), counters the ego that can plague modern pastors. By standing on Moses' shoulders, we gain a clearer view of leadership in stewardship, not showmanship.

Venturing into the New Testament, the Apostle Paul stands as a colossus. His epistles, forged in chains and controversy, offer timeless wisdom on grace, redemption, and community. Paul's declaration in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," has been my mantra during personal trials. By building on Paul's theology, contemporary ministers and children of God can address issues like mental health and the spirit of this age (Zeitgeist) with biblical depth, seeing farther than superficial self-help trends.

Beyond the Bible, the Church's history is rich with giants. Augustine of Hippo, whose *Confessions* laid bare the human soul's restlessness until it finds rest in God, teaches us vulnerability in preaching. Martin Luther, the fiery reformer whose 95 Theses sparked the Protestant Reformation, reminds us to challenge complacency. John Wesley's methodical approach to discipleship, small groups, and accountability has shaped my own ministerial care models. In an age of digital disconnection, Wesley's shoulders allow us to see the value of intentional community, fostering deeper spiritual growth.

These giants are not relics; they are living legacies. As a seasoned minister, I've learned that ignoring them leads to shallow faith. As a young convert, I once confided in my pastor, Rev. Carroll Bushnell, a particular mental situation with which I was wrestling. He handed me his Bible and asked me to turn to Paul's letter to the church at Philippi, directing me to chapter 4, verse 8, and urged, "Stand on these words, and your words will reach farther." Standing on my pastor's wisdom and the shoulders of Paul, I began the process of memorizing scripture, which I am happy to report has been a lifelong blessing to me personally and my preaching.

Personal Reflections: Lessons from a Lifetime in Ministry

In my journey, standing on these shoulders has been both humbling and empowering. Early in my career, I pastored a small congregation in central Louisiana during the 1980s economic downturn. Living in the rural setting in which several families were struggling, the way out was found by blending prayer, testimony, and communal support, which saw them through.

Another pivotal moment came during the cultural shifts of the early 2000s, when debates over social and organizational issues divided churches. I turned to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian martyred for opposing Nazism. His book entitled Life Together stresses costly grace and authentic fellowship. By standing on Bonhoeffer's shoulders, it reinvigorated me to be able to stand on my own beliefs, despite the cost. It was one of the few times my wife of 50 years has told me she was proud of me for taking a stand. One X (formerly Twitter) post I read recently echoed this: "In a divided world, Bonhoeffer reminds us: Grace is free, but it costs everything." How true!

Yet, this principle demands discernment. Not all giants are infallible; we must critique their contexts through Scripture's lens. For instance, while admiring Luther's zeal, we acknowledge his flaws, like antisemitic writings, and we must build better by promoting inclusivity.

A Call to the Next Generation: Climb Higher

To my fellow ministers, especially the young ones entering this sacred vocation: Do not disdain the giants. In an era of quick-fix theology and viral sermons, immerse yourselves in the classics. Read Athanasius on the incarnation, Teresa of Ávila on prayer, or C.S. Lewis on apologetics. While we may not agree with everything a writer may state, there are nuggets of gold that can benefit us. My pastor used to say, "Bring a shovel and a rake to church with you. If there are things in the sermon that do not fit your life, take the shovel and toss it over your shoulder. If it resonates with you and is meant for you, rake it close and take it into your life." Join study groups, attend theological seminars, and mentor under seasoned leaders. As you stand on their shoulders, you'll see farther and dive deeper into the infallible Word of God, helping you to envision innovative ministries like online discipleship programs that reach the unchurched or community outreaches that address social needs through a biblical worldview.

Believers in the pews, this applies to you too. Your personal faith journey benefits from these giants. Dive into devotional classics like "The Flame Still Burns" by T. F. Tenney and "For Preachers Only" or "The Flesh of God" by J. T. Pugh, and watch your spiritual horizon expand.

Closing Thoughts: A Cloud of Witnesses

In Hebrews 12:1-2, we are surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses," these giants urging us onward, with eyes fixed on Jesus, the ultimate Giant upon whose shoulders all creation rests. As a seasoned minister, I testify: Standing on their shoulders has allowed me to see God's kingdom more clearly, minister more faithfully, and love more deeply.

May you, dear reader, climb these heights and glimpse wonders yet unseen. If my words inspire even one soul to honor the past while forging the future, then I have fulfilled my calling.

In His grace,

Burton Ashworth Ph. D.

P.S. I'd love to hear your thoughts; share in the comments which giant has most influenced your faith journey!