1 Corinthians 13
Many years ago God placed me in a rich community in Toronto, to visit homes where I would normally not have gone inside the door. As the community nurse I dressed in uniform and wore a badge identifying who I was, in order to gain admittance. It was a very great privilege to serve these dear people who found, so often, that all their great wealth could not buy health.
As I pondered this experience I was thinking about the “badge” that will get us into heaven. What does it look like? Well – first of all we will be in uniform, all of us clothed the same. Did you know that? Paul wrote to the Galatians “For all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ!” (Galatians 3:27). Job remembered the days of God’s favour when he “put on righteousness as my clothing” (Job 29:17).
God cares enough for us to give us the breastplate of righteousness to protect our hearts (Ephesians 6:14). Human hearts are so terribly vulnerable; Paul warns believers that we need this armour of God to protect us against the fiery darts of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16). So our clothing is hugely important. Not only are we clothed with righteousness (Romans 13:14) that is a gift from God, but we are also clothed with compassion (Colossians 3:12) and humility (1 Peter 5:5). The belt of truth holds it altogether (Ephesians 6:14).
The Apostle Paul has just instructed the Ephesian Church on how to maintain good family relationships. We are all familiar with the fact children should honour their fathers and mothers, by obedient behaviour. Our attitude is hugely important – not grudgingly, but with a willing spirit, we are to give God His due. This is what our heavenly Father expects when His children meet with Him to worship, and to give of their tithes and offerings. There is to be joy in the offering! Obedience is often demanded of children, but do we forget the following injunction which requires something of our earthly fathers?
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 2:4). The privilege of parenthood is to show children the way…to model for them all that God requires as our heavenly Father. Harsh punishment as well as unreasonable expectations are not acceptable. How often do we see unjust criticism or neglect building walls of resentment?
The badge of honour worn by a loving, Godly father respects the individuality of his children, accepting them as God accepts each of us, His children. How thrilling it is to see their accomplishments increasing under words of praise, as their strengths are valued! Expressions of love mean nothing if not followed up with respect and celebration of the child’s unique gifts. This is not just for little children, but is a recipe for successful relationships with adult children as well. Some fathers think it is their duty to shape their children through a list of do’s and don’ts, without recognizing
how much the badge of genuine appreciation attracts the right spirit.
Reflection:
Do our children see us wearing the badge of Godliness, coloured red by sacrifice? Do we demand repayment for all we have done? Genuine caring never mocks, because it is kind. It is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
Every parent must learn to lean on God to ultimately shape the character we are trying, however imperfectly to model, in hopes that our children will resemble God the Father as we ourselves try to emulate His goodness and love. Do we were the badge of Christ-like righteousness?
by Marilyn daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)
Inspiring Joy 