1 Corinthians 4:14-21

1 Corinthians 4:14-21
¹⁴ I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. ¹⁵ Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. ¹⁶ Therefore I urge you to imitate me. ¹⁷ For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.

When one leads another to Christ they become a spiritual parent.  Notice that Paul urges them to imitate him.  For years I did not want anyone imitating me because I was imperfect and I kept waiting to achieve perfection.  I've learned that will never happen till I reach heaven.  I have also learned, through the openness of leaders in my church, that perfection is not required.  In fact the willingness to admit mistakes and confess them to God and to those whom you wronged is GREAT leadership.

I remember the first time I approached my daughter and told her I was wrong and asked her forgiveness.  She did not turn her back on me and start refusing to listen to me as dad.  In fact the exact opposite happened.  She melted in my arms and our relationship deepened.  What I have to say means more to her now because she knows I will admit that I make mistakes. 

I encourage you to follow me as I follow Christ.  I will screw up, but I will confess, repent and then keep moving toward Him.

¹⁸ Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. ¹⁹ But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. ²⁰ For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. ²¹ What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?

Do what is right even when you are alone.  No godly teacher, leader, parent or pastor wants to catch someone doing something wrong? When Dad and Mom said, "This will hurt me more than it hurts you.", they really meant it.  Also bear in mind that you are never alone.  The Holy Spirit indwells us who believe and see everything we do and even know our motive behind the actions.

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.