Danger of spiritual ignorance is too expensive, Obuh warns clergy at retreat

The Bishop of the Diocese of Asaba, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Kingsley Obuh has warned the clergy of the Diocese of the dangers of spiritual ignorance, saying that the cost is too expensive.

Obuh disclosed this last Monday while addressing members at the opening service for the 2022 Clergy Retreat of the Diocese at Ibru Centre, Agbarha-otor, Delta State.

Taking his text from 1 Cor. 12:1, the Bishop defined ignorance as a state of lack of knowledge, education or awareness, adding that it connotes being blind, empty and has disastrous consequences.

He described spiritual ignorance as a lack of knowledge of how the Spirit of God, the spirit of man and the spirit of the Devil relate and play out, noting that the most dangerous of every type of ignorance is that it keeps one in the dark of the devices of the Devil and the spiritual dimension of life and events.

Warning the clergy of the higher gravity of a priest being spiritually ignorant, the bishopic said: “It is worst for a priest to be spiritually ignorant because it will not only affect him and his family but also the Church. It is like the blind guide of the blind described in Matthew 15:14, who all fell into a ditch.”

Admonishing them to diligently seek God’s face, he said: “Some of you may be sharing an altar with witches and wizards without knowing it. A priest that is good in everything, but ignorant in the things of the Spirit, is still unfit for the job. He cannot discern the devices of the Devil and will only be teaching the wisdom of men.”

According to him, “spiritual ignorance cannot be cured, except by Divine revelation, which has to be sought as if seeking for hidden treasure.”

Obuh urged the priests to create uninterrupted times to seek the face of God from time to time and also begin personal time with God right there at the retreat and to resolve not to leave the retreat without discovering God in a new dimension.

He said: “Hold unto God until He blesses you, as Jacob did.”