We are who we listen to and what we are exposed to. Making it a determination to give yourself to a particular person idea about something makes you become that person over time. So, the question is, do we need a guru or a teacher to grow spiritually? Let's be reminded that spiritually in this question makes it easier to have a focused writing.
I personally think that who we are today is as a result of who we have chosen to listen to. 80% of the people in the world have who they answer to and this somehow shapes who they become over the years. The problem is not in having someone to follow,it is in the consciousness of having to pick the right person.
When it comes to the things of the spiritual, we definitely need a teacher to grow spiritually. This is a more reason the church has a pastor who leads a particular congregation. Imagine a church without a teacher to lead and oversees things in the church, the church will definitely have many lukewarm members.
In the book of 1timothy 4:13-15, Paul who was Timothy's teacher spoke explicitly to Timothy concerning the teachings he had heard him teach. Paul was particular about Timothy holding firm to his teaching or doctrine. He wanted him to teach other people what he has been taught by his teacher over the years. Apostle Paul did this to show the importance of making more leaders or teachers who will teach other people to also become leaders. It was more like an unending route.
Jesus Christ also served as a teacher here on earth. Having taught His disciples,they actually turned out to do what they had seen their teacher do. Jesus showed the importance of having a teacher that can help you grow spiritually.The word of God needs to get to the end of the earth through teachers of the gospel.
We might not necessarily need a guru, as it is in God's place to strengthen a man to grow perfect in Him. Teachers of the word and in the Spiritually things will never be outdated because life itself is spiritual.
We all need a teacher that can help us grow spiritually because the christian journey is not an easy one, times will come when you don't feel the need to keep serving the Lord. At those down point of your life, it is very important to have the presence of a spiritual leader that can help keep you moving and also encourage you.
Some christians who have left the faith is as a result of not submitting to a spiritual leader or not having someone they answer to concerning spiritual things. In as much as we chase the natural things alot, having someone who can speak you back to your senses when you are doing things contrary to God's word is a very big blessing.
Therefore, we all need a teacher to grow spiritually. He or she might not be a guru but there must be a good teacher of the word of God to grow spiritually.