ODJ: mothers and fathers
September 11, 2011
We were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children. . . . And you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children (vv.7,11).
READ: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12
Not long ago, I was drawn into a spirited discussion about the parenting concerns of mothers and fathers: Mothers tend to worry about their child’s safety; fathers focus on their child’s success. A mother is concerned that her child be loved, while fathers push their children hard in a world where failure is easy and success is difficult. The Thessalonian believers were Paul’s spiritual sons and daughters (Acts 17:1-4). He nurtured these infant believers (1 Thessalonians 2:9) until strong opposition forced him to leave the city abruptly (Acts 17:5-10).
In the brief time he spent with them, what kind of parent was Paul? He revealed a tender side that softened his hard and harsh no-nonsense image (Philippians 3:2; 2 Cor. 10:6-11, 13:2). “We were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children” (1 Thess. 2:7). With the tender affection of a nursing mother, he told the young believers of his deep love: “We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too” (v.8).
But Paul remained that fatherly disciplinarian (Deuteronomy 8:5). “We treated each of you as a father treats his own children” (1 Thess. 2:11). As a tender and compassionate father (Psalm 103:13), Paul used praise, reason, exhortations, admonishments, and good counsel to bring his children to the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). God’s Word makes it clear that discipline is vital in spiritual growth (Heb. 12:5-12; 1 Thessalonians 2:12).
This then is the goal for all parents: We desire our children to live worthy (v.12), fruitful lives that honor and please the Lord in every way (Col. 1:10). —K.T. Sim
Which parent (father or mother) has had the greater influence and impact on you? Why? As a parent, how will you be instrumental in the spiritual development and maturity of your own children?
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it-
RSS Feed
Related
ODJ: among us
September 1, 2011 Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that by His poverty He could make you rich (v.9). READ: 2 Corinthians 8:3-15 For 2 months in Uganda, I was without a car and had to travel by foot or by using public transportation. I squeezed into crowded matatus (minivan [...]
ODJ: going to great lengths
October 30, 2010 He had to go through Samaria on the way (v.4). READ: John 4:1-26 Bill Adams, CEO of a large hospital in Virginia, received a frantic call from a woman whose mother had died a few days earlier at the medical center. Prior to her death, the woman had lost her wedding [...]
ODJ: lonely places
April 3, 2010 Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray (v.35). READ: Mark 1:32-36 A performer who spins plates on sticks never ceases to fascinate me. He takes a stick and spins a plate on the tip of it. He then adds a second and [...]
ODJ: opportunity for joy
January 11, 2010 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy (v.2). READ: James 1:1-12 Sometimes the Bible puzzles me. For instance, the book of James starts out by telling us that when tough things happen, “consider it an opportunity for great joy” (James 1:2). Really? [...]
Christian Courses
Day Of Discovery
Discover The Word
Discovery Series
Help For My Life
My Utmost For His Highest
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Journey
RBC Ministries
WarungSateKaMu
Manasociety
雅米