A Father’s Counsel

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord.

Primary Text

“I do not write this to shame you, but to warn and counsel you as my beloved children. After all, though you should have ten thousand teachers (guides to direct you) in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the glad tidings (the Gospel).” 1 Corinthians 14v14-15 (AMP)

“I’m not writing all this as a neighborhood scold just to make you feel rotten. I’m writing as a father to you, my children. I love you and want you to grow up well, not spoiled. There are a lot of people around who can’t wait to tell you what you’ve done wrong, but there aren’t many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up. It was as Jesus helped me proclaim God’s Message to you that I became your father.” 1 Corinthians 14v14-15 (MSG)

A father who delights in his son would usually counsel and correct him (Proverbs 3v12). Indeed Proverbs 29v15 (KJV) says “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” In 1 Corinthians 14v14-15, Paul makes a distinction between teachers in Christ and fathers. He says there are not many fathers, and he was one of them. How do you relate with the spiritual authority who is over you, who is committed to see you grow? Do you respect them? Hebrews 13v17 (NIV) says “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” However, we also have our heavenly Father, who is also committed to our growth. He also chastens and disciplines those that He has accepted as children (Hebrews 12v5-6), and He can use different means to do so like His Word, His prophets, an authority over you, a friend, a child … The Word of God telling us:

Supplementary Text

“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as His children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12v8-11 (NIV).

Prayer

Father, we thank You for Your Word. We thank You for Your goodness. Father we thank You for our spiritual leaders. We thank You for their correction and guidance. We thank You for Your correction and guidance. We pray for the grace and humility to accept them in Jesus name, amen.