09
Cost to be a Spiritual Father
Rod ShimabukuroFor though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16I urge you, then, be imitators of me. 1 Corinthians 4:15-16
Part of Paul’s instruction which includes correction, pertains to a division causing disunity. “Which leader do you follow? My leader is more anointed, influential.” As if to place leaders on a pedestal. Glorifying and over esteeming leaders is not a new challenge for the church. Paul’s tone is firm, confrontative and corrective. Verse 21 - What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?
There’s a sharp distinction between being a guide and a father in the faith. Who do I want to be? Am I willing to pay the price and count the cost? The qualification or job description is pretty grueling!! (verses 1-10)
O God!! There’s a longing in my heart to be a spiritual father but it comes at such a high price. I’m not sure that I’m willing to pay that price? It’s costly! To live with less? To live beneath America’s minimum wage? To sell all to follow You? To pick up my cross...to follow You? Is that what it means to be a disciple of Yours?
O God!!! I feel like I need to make decisions to purge, prune the inner man and my lifestyle - to be fruitful and productive as a spiritual father. There are inner motives, attitudes that I wrestle with that are chained to greed, selfishness, lusts of my flesh. Plain and simple...worldliness.
Dear Daddy God. To be like You as a father to others...will cost - is costing. I’m willing - but yet my flesh is weak. Be strong in me to help to obey Your voice. I repent! Help me to make an about face. I desire to Imitate You - that I could call others to imitate me - to become like and live more like You!
