I was reading the Bible a few weeks ago and there was a verse that came into my spirit like a missile (that might be the best way to describe it). I shared it with our small group and I felt like it could be one of many life verses for me or at least for the next season. 1 Corn. 4:15- “For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers.” I did some research on the topic and it was common for wealthy families to hire tutors and guides to raise their children from birth to adulthood, leaving little interaction with their parents as they grew up (talk about Super-nanny). Think about going through our lives without real interaction with our parents, little to no nurture from those who brought us into this world… it sounds crazy! Paul was revealing an interesting truth to the Corinthians; that they had plenty of people reveal things about God to them, some things quite insightful no doubt, but they were missing the important ingredient of a parent raising them up in the things of God and their spiritual lives were damaged because of it. Our age of the Church is in a similar situation, it seems from my vantage point. If we ask each other who has had profound impact upon our lives, we would probably share a long list of names of authors, worship leaders, speakers that have opened God’s revelation to us that we have never met before. Seeking spiritual food and guidance from these “tutors and guides” is excellent. However, without someone parenting us in our faith, we miss the important ingredient of spiritual growth. Jesus gathered 12 disciples for many reasons, but parenting them about Kingdom living was obviously one of the most important reasons. I encourage us to not settle for the next book, video, conference, mega-idea for our next spiritual fix. Rather, I encourage us to pray for a spiritual parent who walks through life with us. Who will stand up to us when we are wrong and rebellious, who will be the first to applaud and celebrate when we succeed, etc. Can you imagine a generation that has only had tutors without spiritual parents leading God’s people? What a mess we could make… I am thankful for “spiritual fathers” that I have had in my faith, including Gregg Miller when I first became a Christian who taught my Sunday school. Mark Lenz who taught me to be sincere and honest with every area of my life. Dr. Hank Lederle who introduced me to the dynamics of spiritual intimacy with God and embracing a trained mind with a fiery heart. Ben Pierce, who has shown me how Prayer can change everything. Let’s not be prideful to think that we don’t need to be parented in our faith. I’m praying for a spiritual parent and encourage you all to seek God’s direction for one for you as well that we may be ready to parent the generation after us!
Thanks Joe. Good thoughts.