Called to Be Fathers

1 Corinthians 4 began with Paul’s assertion that he was a minister and steward of God and that as a steward, he must be found faithful. He then stated that it was a very small thing to him if he was judged by the Corinthian Church or any other human. Paul advised that they should all refrain from judging as that is the job of the Lord. He stated that we should “judge nothing until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts” (1 Corinthians 4:5).

I suppose Paul was met with more judgment than most people, considering that he drastically changed from persecuting God’s people to ministering to them. I am sure many people attempted to judge him—to determine if his heart was sincere. I imagine some questioned whether or not they could trust him. But Paul made it abundantly clear that he did not care if they judged him. He only cared about the Lord’s judgment.

We must know that people will always judge us. It is quite normal for them to assess us and try to determine if we are who we say we are. Some may judge correctly, others may judge partially right, and others may judge totally wrong. Whatever their judgment may be of you is of no importance. We need only to concern ourselves with the Judgment of God—the only judgment that will be just and completely accurate.

The chapter continued with Paul, once again, preaching against boasting as he did in the preceding chapters. Some church members boasted about receiving gospel teachings from their beloved leader. But Paul emphasized that they shouldn’t be puffed up about anything given to them. And since God is the giver of all things, including the gospel preached by their beloved leaders, they should only boast in God. This, for certain, was a big issue in the Corinthian Church, considering how Paul kept harping on the matter. It can also be an issue in the church today if we glorify man over God. Let us remember to boast in God our Father through Christ and Him alone.

And though we know that we have but one Heavenly Father, Paul said this in 1 Corinthians 4:15: “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.” Paul stated he had “begotten” the Corinthian Church through the gospel, which means he brought forth new life to the people by way of preaching the gospel to them. They were made into new creations through his ministry; thus, he was like a spiritual father figure to them.

This idea is further supported by the final verse of this chapter. Paul wrote, “What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?” (1 Corinthians 4:21). Paul, like any father, loved the Corinthians. He loved them enough to be gentle if needed, but he also loved them enough to spiritually strike them as a disciplinarian. In the next chapter, 1 Corinthians 5, we see Paul’s tone is more strict than gentle because of the sin reported in the church. Indeed, Paul portrayed the characteristics of a loving father—one who cared more about the church’s salvation than he did their comfort.

Of course, father figures and spiritual leaders offer us comfort. Paul’s words often brought the Corinthian Church relief and reassurance. When he stated in 1 Corinthians 1 that they were “enriched in everything by God in all utterance and knowledge,” that was comforting. When he stated that they “came short in no spiritual gift” in the same chapter, that was comforting. And when he stated that God’s very own Spirit dwelt within them—that they were the temples of God in 1 Corinthians 3, that was certainly inspiring. All these things provided comfort to the church then and it provides comfort to us today.

And yet, as a father figure, there were times when Paul had to speak with tough love. When he called the Corinthian Church babies who needed milk instead of meat due to their carnality, that was tough love. When he told the Roman Church that God’s wrath was on those who walked in unrighteousness in Romans 1, that was tough love, and as we just read, when Paul asked the church if they wanted him to come to them in kindness or with a rod, that was tough love.

A delicate balance is needed from those who lead. Spiritual leaders are to be like their Father, who was gentle enough to call us out of our sin towards him while we were yet sinners. Yet, Hebrews 12:6 reminds us that the Lord chastens those he loves. God is the perfect Father who loves and corrects us perfectly.

And although we may not always do so correctly, we are called to be like our Father. Just as Paul “begot” the gospel to the Corinthian Church, it is our job to birth the gospel to the world. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 calls for us to go and make disciples of all nations. We are called to spiritually lead those who have not been taught. Regardless of gender, we are all called to be fathers—we are called to lead the lost to salvation and to admonish the saved to continue their walk with the Lord.

In light of the upcoming holiday in which we honor fathers, please remember that we are to imitate ours. Like our Heavenly Father, we must lead with love but correct when needed. We are to beget disciples for the kingdom of God, just as Paul did for the Corinthian Church. And so, if you are not already, I admonish you to be a father and lead as the Holy Spirit leads you.

Become that spiritual father figure that someone needs, and may God bless you abundantly for your service. May God lead you to those you are called to father—those who you will become new creations because of how you lead by word and deed. May you be an excellent spiritual leader and father, just as you are called to be.

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Quin Arrington authored three nonfictional books (And Then You Shall Have Good Success, A Spacious Place, and Heirs of Glory) and one fictional book (According to the Power). All works are available on Amazon at www.amazon.com/author/quinarrington

Thank you for your time. God bless!