WE NEED SPIRITUAL FATHERS
Some of readers may remember that even though we were going to be away on holidays during the month of May, I had two prayer matters that I wanted to spend time praying about, one matter was personal, and I still do not have clear direction on it, the other was to do with wanting to make the best use of my time now that I am virtually not travelling, I wanted to believe that a new area of ministry may open up for me. The picture is not yet fully clear but it sure seems it is in the area of Biblical Discipleship and mentoring.
Whilst in Europe a ministry friend shared how certain mutual friends were no longer going on with the Lord, and one even declaring himself an atheist!!! This of course stirred up my heart again about the whole are of Biblical Discipleship and Mentoring.
We used to joke about Preachers that only have “one string in their bow” they simply change the text the next time they preached. I guess there are a few Preachers like that, and I could be accused of being one of them, but when God puts a burden and passion in your heart you cannot help but to speak out on that which is constantly stirring you.
Quite regularly i get receive friend requests on FB, before I accept I pray and ask the Lord’s guidance. The requests are usually from men in ministry or those who want to be involved in ministry. Sadly, many of the requests are simply requests for financial assistance, but some are from young men, who appear to have a genuine call of God on their lives, some have had excellent Bible College training, but have NEVER been really Discipled, let alone Mentored. How do I know this, my first questions are always “How is your walk with God”? and “Are you walking in victory and purity”? Their answers break my heart, Many of them do not know what it means to have a regular Quiet Time, they do not regularly and systematically read the Word of God, they do not know how to meditate on the Word of God, they do not know how to protect their mind, they do not understand and experience the rich inheritance they have as a believer. THIS BREAKS MY HEART.
The Apostle Paul declares in 1 Cor. 4: 15 FOR THOUGH YOU MIGHT HAVE TEN THOUSAND INSTRUCTORS, YET YOU DO NOT HGAVE MANY FATHERS. NKJV
THERE ARE LOTS OF PEOPLE AROUND WHO CAN’T WAIT TO TELL YOU WHAT YOU HAVE DONE WRONG, BUT THERE AREN’T MANY FATHERS WILLING TO TAKE TIME AND EFFORT TO HELP YOU GROW UP. MESSAGE
Two thousand years ago this was a problem, and nothing seems to have changed in that time. we still have young men crying out to be fathered and mentored.
I guess so many men in our churches have NEVER been fathered, and therefore would not know where to start!!! I assume they have not really been well discipled, but have struggled on year after year, trying to get their walk with God right. Sadly, some even leave the church, ands we simply say “he has backslidden”.
In the previous verse (verse 14) Paul calls the Corinthians “my beloved children”.
What is the role of a Spiritual father?
- A Spiritual father warns his children. Just as a natural father will often warn his children, this would save the young believer from so many slips and falls.
- A Spiritual father exhorts his children. Sharing with him what the Word of God says about matters of life and godliness, and practical keys in living as a Christian.
- A Spiritual father sets an example for his children. It is not just do as I say but do as I do, A spiritual father should be able to say as Paul did “Follow me even as I as follow Christ”.
- A Spiritual father disciplines his children, again just as a natural father does, This is painful for both the father and the child BUT IT IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF FATHERING.
Do you have a spiritual father/s ?I believe they are an important component in our spiritual walk and our involvement in the local church. There are so many believers in our churches that are bruised and scarred and live with regrets all because of the lack of fathering.
With God’s help we must raise up many fathers in our local churches so they can effectively raise the children (new believers) to spiritual maturity.
Do you agree with the above? What can we do about it?
Have a blessed weekend.
