FATHERS AND MOTHERS - by Calvin
Becoming a spiritual father or mother is not as simple as leading someone to Christ. It's like the difference between being a biological father or mother and being a daddy or mommy. Becoming a spiritual parent is a life long calling.
The Apostle Paul expressed this image well in his letter to the Galatians where he writes, "My little children, with whom I am in travail until Christ is formed in you." (Galatians 4:19) Spiritual parents join with their spiritual children in the laborious effort of Christ forming himself in the soul of the devout disciple. The parent lovingly takes on the soul of the child until the Lord has accomplishes his work of grace.
It is an ancient Christian tradition. Spiritual fathers, called abbas, and spiritual mothers, called ammas, in the ancient church represent a "golden chain" that extends from Christ himself through the Apostolic Age and into to the present age. Such people have the compassion, integrity and authority to say with the Apostle Paul, "Imitate me." They are able and willing to beget spiritual children in the name of Jesus.
There is a wonderful man named Wayne whom I call my spiritual father. I am also pleased and humbled that there is a hand full of men who look to me as a spiritual father. I am nothing special. Whatever I may have to offer is a gift from the Father in heaven that I receive through the example of Christ who shows me what the Father is doing. As Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, I am simply given the job of a slave to wash the feet of others.
Are you being called out as a spiritual father or a spiritual mother? Perhaps you desire a spiritual parent who will guide you on your journey with Jesus. Whatever you may want, ask the Father in faithful prayer. Ask and it will be given to you. Watch, listen and be amazed at what the Lord God is doing. Jesus is the beginning and the end of all time.
How can I pray for you? Let me know by leaving a comment or by sending a confidential e-mail to prayer@livingforgod.net .
At His Mercy,
Calvin
The Apostle Paul expressed this image well in his letter to the Galatians where he writes, "My little children, with whom I am in travail until Christ is formed in you." (Galatians 4:19) Spiritual parents join with their spiritual children in the laborious effort of Christ forming himself in the soul of the devout disciple. The parent lovingly takes on the soul of the child until the Lord has accomplishes his work of grace.
It is an ancient Christian tradition. Spiritual fathers, called abbas, and spiritual mothers, called ammas, in the ancient church represent a "golden chain" that extends from Christ himself through the Apostolic Age and into to the present age. Such people have the compassion, integrity and authority to say with the Apostle Paul, "Imitate me." They are able and willing to beget spiritual children in the name of Jesus.
There is a wonderful man named Wayne whom I call my spiritual father. I am also pleased and humbled that there is a hand full of men who look to me as a spiritual father. I am nothing special. Whatever I may have to offer is a gift from the Father in heaven that I receive through the example of Christ who shows me what the Father is doing. As Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, I am simply given the job of a slave to wash the feet of others.
Are you being called out as a spiritual father or a spiritual mother? Perhaps you desire a spiritual parent who will guide you on your journey with Jesus. Whatever you may want, ask the Father in faithful prayer. Ask and it will be given to you. Watch, listen and be amazed at what the Lord God is doing. Jesus is the beginning and the end of all time.
How can I pray for you? Let me know by leaving a comment or by sending a confidential e-mail to prayer@livingforgod.net .
At His Mercy,
Calvin
I URGENTLY NEED A SPIRITUAL FATHER OR MOTHER, TO MOVE ME ON MY CLOSENESS WITH GOD, SO AS NOT TO BACKSLIDE AGAIN.
Reply to this