Scripture

“For though you might have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers. Indeed, in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 4:15

Reflections

In the ancient Greek world, there were guardians who would ensure the safe transit of children to and from schools.  They would have been a bit like a bus driver is today.  A bus driver does not provide instruction.  A bus driver brings the student to the teacher who provides instruction.

The most significant of teachers are fathers and mothers.  They may not aspire to be teachers, but they are.  There is no greater teacher in a child’s life than a parent.  A child may hear one thing at school but if he hears another at home, he is likely to follow the parent.  Parents have a lot more influence upon their children than schoolteachers.

When it comes to the faith, who are your greatest teachers, your spiritual “fathers” or “mothers”?  Is it your biological father or mother?  If you have children of your own, are you your children’s spiritual father or mother or are you their bus driver who takes them to Sunday School?  After all, they are looking to you.  They are learning from you.

Whether we have biological children or not, we have been given the opportunity to serve as spiritual fathers and mothers to those who are fatherless and motherless.  Continue to learn and grow in the faith.  Pass on what you have learned.  Raise up others.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn and grow in my faith.  Help me to be a good father or mother to someone else in the faith.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:14-21