1 Corinthians, chapter 4

As I mentioned earlier when I began this study, I love reading about the life of Paul. I love not only the way he presents the message, but his attitude as well. He presents such an example of putting one's mission above the self. Paul faced abundant persecution and eventually suffered a martyr's death on the cross, yet he never once cared about his own well being. In this chapter he evens mentions that he gladly took the yoke of persecution so that other may know the peace of Christ.

¹⁴I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children. ¹⁵Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. ¹⁶Therefore I urge you to imitate me. ¹⁷For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church. – 1 Corinthians 4:14-17

I think this passage stresses the importance of having a spiritual father to guide us. Without one, we can become lost as the Corinthians had become lost. Lately I feel like I have been in need of a spiritual guide because I have lost all outside influence in my walk with Christ. Some of the great groups and people in my life that were strong sources of spiritual growth have moved on, while I feel like I have been standing still. This is not the only area of my life where I feel this, but it is one of the strongest.

So what does a spiritual father do? I believe they provide guidance and strength when we are seeking them. They hear what we have to say and can provide the wisdom that God has intended for us to receive. They are the people we turn to that always seem to have the right answer even if they don't know we need to hear what they have to say at that moment. It doesn't even need to be a pastor. Some of my favorite spiritual fathers have been friends that have arced in and out of my life over the years, yet they provide invaluable encouragement in guidance. If you are struggling today I advise you to seek out someone like this in your life.