|
This Week's Devotional | 2004
Devotionals | 2005 Devotionals
| 2006 Devotionals | 2007
Devotionals
Devotional
for the Week 6 August 2007
In Paul’s address to the Thessalonians, he described
the relationship between the apostles and the people as
that which was “like a mother caring for her little
children”. (1 Thessalonians 2:7) He proceeded to
describe the closeness bound within this relationship
in respect of the sharing of God’s Word, the apostles’
own experiences as well as the love and concern they had
for the people. As with how a father would deal with his
children, the apostles encouraged, comforted and urged
their spiritual children to live lives in ways that were
worthy of God. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12)
Spiritual
Parenting
Spiritual
parenting assumes the desire to raise spiritual children
whom God places in our lives. It entails the challenge
of raising spiritually matured individuals.
Who
are ‘Spiritual Children’
| •
|
Our
Children – as earthly parents or
guardians of our own children, it is our responsibility
to impart what it means to receive Christ as their
Lord and Saviour, and how they can love God wholeheartedly.
|
| •
|
New
Believers – those who have recently
been led to Christ. These individuals require spiritual
encouragement and help as they begin their journey
learning about the ways of God through His Word,
applying it to their lives and developing their
relationship with Him.
|
| •
|
Believers
With No Spiritual Parents – Christians
who have not been adopted by spiritual parents,
due to various reasons, since receiving Christ but
who now desire to grow further in the Lord and request
to be adopted under the wing of a spiritually matured
believer. |
Traits
of a Spiritual Parent
| •
|
Prayerful (1 Thessalonians 1:2) – they make it a point to pray for the spiritual
children under their wings especially those in need
as well as those who face challenges and spiritual
warfare.
|
| •
|
Sound
understanding of the Word of Truth (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5; 2:2-4; Psalm 119:105) –
this is because the spiritual parent is required
to facilitate and guide and teach the spiritual
child in the ways of God. |
| •
|
Empowered
by the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:5) –
this relates to the spiritual parent’s experience
as regards the power of God at work in his/ her
life, which in turn has an effect on the ministry
of parenting a spiritual child.
|
| •
|
Live
by conviction (1 Thessalonians 1:5) –
their actions and faith are born out of what they
believe from the depths of their hearts. |
Responsibilities
of a Spiritual Parent
| •
|
Commitment
– this pertains to the spiritual parent’s
own spiritual development. This is crucial for attaining
wisdom that is required in parenting a spiritual
child as well as contributing to the life of the
church. The attainment of wisdom equates to the
acquisition of the ability to distinguish good from
evil. (Hebrews 5:11-14)
|
| •
|
Coaching/
Mentoring (1 Thessalonians 2:7) – there must be a willingness
on the part of the spiritual parent to make time
to teach, guide and counsel his/ her spiritual child.
Making time not only fosters a strong relationship
that reinforces accountability for one another,
but also ensures that regular checks are made on
the progress of the spiritual health of the child. |
| •
|
Role-Modeling
– similar to how children tend to take on
the mannerisms, gestures and traits of their parents,
spiritual children may also become “imitators”
of their mentors. (1 Thessalonians 1:6) Therefore,
spiritual parents hold the important responsibility
of “showing the way” through the living
of Christ-centred lives.
|
| •
|
Discipline
–having the discipline to provide an environment
that fosters the growth and affirmation of the spiritual
child. This involves regular follow-up with the
individual as well as caring for his/ her physical,
emotional and spiritual well-being. On the other hand. the spiritual parent must also be willing to discipline their spiritual children. (1 Thessalonians 2:11) |
Conclusion
Spiritual
parenting is biblical (1 Timothy 1:2) and involves the
making of a disciple as well as the coaching and mentoring
of a spiritual child. It is a responsibility that many
of us should embrace, but have yet to do so, for various
reasons. Let
us ask ourselves the questions “How long has it
been since I accepted Christ as our Lord and Saviour?”
and, “How much, in terms of spiritual maturity,
have I grown since?”. Regardless of how much we
have grown in our walk with the Lord, we must remember
to continue running the race such that we are not, ourselves,
disqualified from it at the end. (1 Corinthians 9:27)
We
therefore need to press on and continue making disciples
for our God (Matthew 28:19). We need to ask the Lord to
show us if this is our season to become spiritual parents.
More importantly, we must respond to spiritual parenting
opportunities He brings into our lives.
Prayer
Response:
Lord,
I pray for You to show me if this is the season that
you have planned for me to take on the role of a spiritual
parent. If so, please prepare my heart, mind and soul
for the challenges that I will face and discipline that
is required for this appointment. Lord, please place
in my heart the person you wish to entrust me, in Your
perfect time. Amen.
Devotional
based on message by Rev. Dr. Isaac Lim
|