The other day I was rather distracted in my Christian Ethics class, instead meandering through my Bible when a passage in 1 Corinthians 4 caught my eye. Paul wrote, “For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers…therefore I urge you, imitate me (v. 15.16).” It struck me as a fascinating verse. 'Father' is so much more intimate than the distant, formal term of 'instructors'…we need spiritual 'fathers' more than countless instructors. People are persuaded so much more by love than by doctrine. 1 Corinthians 4 goes on to say, “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but a matter of power (v. 20).” I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Paul wrote this statement within the same paragraph as the note about fathers. We need spiritual fathers, and we need to realize that the Kingdom Jesus came to establish here on earth is recognized by its life-transforming power, not by clever words and doctrines. The Kingdom to which we belong is built on intimate relationship with our Father, recognizing our identities as sons and daughters of the King.
The past few weeks have been rather tumultuous for me. Only a week and a half ago I went to a former high school classmate’s funeral, then I nearly wrecked after hydroplaning in a storm off of the interstate. It made me think quite a bit about the fragility of life---we get so comfortable in our routines and feeling of invincibility that at times we can lose a sense of eternal perspective. It also made me talk with God quite a bit about how I live my life, and how I love. God has been gently revealing to me how many impure motives often lie behind my love for others…motives with conditional, self-gratifying motives. My love is often contingent on a person’s response---I want them to at least be grateful, and at most reciprocate the same love. If neither of these occur, I would get defensive and wonder why I should bother in the first place.
Sometimes we need wake-up calls to remember that though God cares about us and about our hearts, making us whole and free, and drawing us into intimacy with Him, there is a broken, desperate world waiting for us to pour out to them.
Freely we receive, freely give.
We are not designed to be reservoirs, but overflowing cups of the love and grace of Jesus.
Genuine love for others does not consider our own self-interest or the behavior of others; it's giving others what they most need, unconditionally.
Let us not get caught up in routines and rhythms that are counter to the abundant, tangible fruit of a life in love and unity with Jesus Christ. The things that matter at the end of the life truly reflect the impact we make on those around us. Let us seek to bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control by abiding in the Vine…let us create, by the power of the Holy Spirit, ‘families’ of spiritual mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, whom we can imitate and grow with as we press into the presence of God. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus and let us join hands. The Body of Christ cannot exist in separation; relationships are vital, which is what Paul was really emphasizing. Don’t miss an opportunity to boldly encourage those around you. We only have today. Let’s use it to glorify the Father who so graciously offers us abundant life.
So Father, let us not grow weary; we entrust our hearts to You. Let us be vessels, we cry out for Your love. Let Your Kingdom come [in power and not in a façade of words] and let Your will be done!
“For more fruit, don’t focus on doing more. Pace yourself, and ask God to pour more of His love and power through you. Then let God grow you in any way He chooses.” ~Stan Smith
"Arise, shine;
For your light has come!And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you." Isaiah 60:1
Don't miss the chance to encounter Him today. :)
