Different Things God is teaching Me

SPIRITUAL FATHERS & THEIR SKEPTICAL CHILDREN

"Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you." ~Philippians 3:15

I was realizing today that in the past and more recent times, I have been skeptical, doubtful, and even resistant with some of the convictions that our present-day spiritual fathers (1 Corinthians 4:15) and spiritual elders hold to...and that this attitude is very similar to the many times I felt this way toward my own father. I was skeptical of his convictions, doubtful of his wisdom, and resistant to his rules. Yet, as time passed and God's patient Spirit was mercifully and faithfully with me, I had grown (and continue to grow) to realize that much of what he taught, believed, and gave, was-is good and right.

Though I will never hold nor exalt the word of any father, whether spiritual or earthly, above the Word of my Heavenly Father, I must be open to the years of experience that they have had in walking with the Lord and instead of counting them out because we disagree (or I internally disagree with them), I must acknowledge them for their love of the Lord, imperfect though it may be, mine is the same as well.

"And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves." ~I Thessalonians 5:12‭-‬13

As I strive to uphold God's Word as superseding all other words, I must also, by God's longsuffering mercy and faithful grace, strive to humble myself before God and not assume that He only teaches directly to me but He also teaches "indirectly" through others and whatever their convictions may be, I must give prayerful consideration to what God may have shown them. I was never called to disregard my earthly father and neither should I feel called to disregard my spiritual ones.

Short note to the spiritual fathers and spiritual elders of today, do not think nor expect we, who are children and young in the faith and battle, will have a ready, listening ear if you have not taken the time to build a relationship with us. If the only time you can talk with us is when we are doing wrong or backsliding, we will struggle to be inclined to listen and consider your experience and wisdom, since you have not taken the time to walk the battle with us. Soldiers have greater respect for their superiors who bear the battle with them rather than those who are present only in driving up to give orders and move on.

"The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being Lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away." ~ Peter 5:1‭-‬4