There are times in our lives when we need a “corrective interview”. By THE SPIRIT Paul brings up this very point in 1 Corinthians chapter 4:
14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.
15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me.
17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.
18 Now some are puffed up (arrogant), as though I were not coming to you.
19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up (arrogant), but the power.
20 For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.
21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
Everyone has an opinion but FATHER backs up HIS Word in Truth and power. Unless we are willing to receive correction we will not receive power from On High. FATHER sent HIS Son to be our primary Example yet many spend no time finding out His ways. They would rather go down a rabbit trail that leads nowhere, ultimately ending at the point of exhaustion. Those who have the heart of a father only want what is best for the brethren and it must include keeping Jesus Christ at the center of our consciousness. What better example than the One Who is the perfect representation of Our Heavenly Father.
A father brings forth life for he plants the “seed”. He is the protector of life and is given the responsibility to govern the family according to the ways of Our Heavenly Father. A father has the experience of what works and what produces no return on investment yet those who are immature often do not have ears to hear and eyes to see. Only when they end up in the “ditch” do they look up and wonder what went wrong.
Paul urged the Corinthian church to at least look to his example for instruction because of his Love for them. A father cuddles a baby but disciplines the teenage son… by necessity. Our goal must be to become perfected in Christ with HIS power and anointing as evidence of this perfection. If the anointing isn’t there yet then we are not there yet. We must continue toward the goal of full maturity which includes taking on the attributes of being a father to others. There are many who are puffed up in their knowledge but lack the wisdom to properly deploy that knowledge. Some will listen to wisdom, others will not. We must be patient and longsuffering with those who persist in trusting only in knowledge and pray that FATHER opens their eyes to the realization of the need of wisdom and understanding as well.
If we are not producing good fruit or if we appear to be under some form of judgment then we should seek FATHER’S instruction. If we can’t hear FATHER then we should seek one of those “fathers” who walk in Love and are mature to provide some insight. Something must change and it is evident that instruction is required. Embrace change and you open yourself up for blessing by FATHER. Resist change and you will simply wallow in the mud and be in constant frustration. It is your choice.