05/26/19 - Spiritual Parents - 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

Moms and Dads are important. Some are still trying to pick up the pieces of their lives after being raised by abusive, controlling and harsh parents. We were designed to have examples of what to be and how to live. When those examples lead you astray the voice in your head receives mixed messages that can take years to unravel. As Christians, we have been placed in God's family as adopted sons and daughters. The apostle Paul tells us that in God's family there are spiritual moms and dads. Paul referred to himself in this way - a spiritual father. These are the men and women who tell you about Jesus, warn you about dangers, prove to be examples, and care enough to confront in love. Howard Hendricks was once asked how the church can identify her spiritual depth. He said, "That's easy, just ask to see the spiritual children." In other words the church ought to be a maternity ward where there is constantly heard the cry of newborn babes in Christ.   How about you? Do you have spiritual children in your life? Are you setting a good example for them? Would you be pleased if your spiritual children live their Christian lives just like you? Would you want them to imitate you in your zeal for Christ, your service to others, your love for the saints, your diligence in the Scriptures? I know, these are sobering thoughts. Let’s take them to heart as we prepare ourselves to receive the good words of Paul this Sunday.