Under The Olive Tree

The Watchman at the Gate

“In the city is left desolation, and the gate is smitten with destruction.”

The Prophet Isaiah

Until very recent times, the gate of the City was the focal point of its defenses - and the safety and well-being of any people was secured through wisdom and prudence regarding what was or was not allowed through the gate and into the City.

Gatekeeping is a function that exists in nearly all social realms, from journalism to education; business, law, financial institutions, national sovereignty, health and safety, right down to the everyday management of our homes and children - gatekeeping is taking place in one form or another - that is, unless those institutions and fundamental social orders lower their standards and open their doors to any and all who would enter.

We expect certain institutions to require strict adherence to their guidelines and standards of membership - and for good reason. Take the medical profession for an example. Most of us do not want those with little or no training to be given the title of “Medical Doctor” or “Doctor of Dentistry”; or any doctorate for that matter - unless they have completed an education commensurate with the title. Similarly, you wouldn’t want your house built by anyone but a skilled master builder, unless you are not concerned with whether it will stand through the first storm of adversity.

We do not allow our children to become overly independent until they have the experience and training to properly manage themselves. Our daily news is full of reports of the tragedies that occur and the suffering involved for those who have not had sufficient preparation to face the challenges of being independent.

We want the access to the gates of the most important aspects of our lives to be watched by those who will not fail in their task.

Gatekeepers then, have the task of watching, discerning, and judging - skills that must be acquired. Traditionally these skills come from the acquired knowledge of the institution, society or culture that they represent. This knowledge is passed on to each new generation through a variety of methods and activities, and these generally fall under two main categories, experience and teachers.

With our culture, we begin this process early in life. One of the primary ways we pass this valuable accumulation of insight and knowledge on to our children is through storytelling. As our children grow and mature - we allow them to apply the lessons and standards of these stories to ever increasing personal choices.

The process has different results with different people - some of us grow up and some of us don’t. The challenge is to have as many as possible develop the character and skills to enable them to become dependable representatives of the teaching - disciples. Our institutions and society do not trust everyone to be a watchman at the gate.

When the Apostles - the inner circle of the disciples of Jesus of Nazareth, began to establish a New Nation based on His teachings, and began to face challenges - they made the following choice.

“Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.”

These are the Watchmen at the Gate.