A special fathers day message for every Christian

Without a doubt, the breakdown of the human family is one of the biggest contributors to moral decline and the depravity of modern society. Divorce rates now exceed 50%, and it’s devastating effect on the world is seen as children are left without the positive role models that God intended. One of the most important things missing in most kids lives today is the example of a godly father or mother.
The Apostle Paul addresses this issue with leadership, or what might be better described as discipleship, with the church in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 4 starting in verse 14, as he figuratively uses the metaphor of himself as a spiritual father. In this passage, we can find truth to guide us, whether we are earthly fathers, or earthly mothers or in the spiritual realm as we disciple others. And whether or not you even have children, all of us are instructed to “go into all the world and make disciples”. Just like there is a need for human role models in our physical lives, there is also a desperate need for spiritual role models in the church as well. There are a whole lot of spiritual orphans out there that need someone to take them under their wing, or adopt them as a son or daughter or big brother or sister.
Number one, the mark of a spiritual father is that he has children. Verse 15, "Though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, you have a lot of teachers, not many fathers. No, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel."
A spiritual father reproduces. God wants us to bear fruit.
Secondly, a spiritual father not only has children but he loves his children. Jesus said they will know you are my disciples by your love for one another.
Third, a spiritual father admonishes. Paul exposes their sin, not to shame them, but to correct them. As a father sees a child engaging in something harmful, he will admonish, or correct them out of love. Revelation 3: those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.
Fourth, a spiritual father not only has children and loves and admonishes, but he sets the example. And maybe this is the most important thing at all. Verse 16, "Wherefore I beseech you, be imitators of me”. To disciple someone speaks not of just teaching them, but showing them by example.
Fifthly, he teaches. And here we come to the fact that there has to be the giving of principles, the end of verse 17. He will remind you of my ways, which are actually Christ’s ways, which I teach everywhere, in every church. Matt. 28 again, “Go and make disciples, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.”
Finally, a spiritual father disciplines. Sometimes it is necessary to use the rod and a characteristic of a godly spiritual father is that they will use it when necessary. An even bigger danger than abuse of this principle is the opposite extreme which is neglect. So many Christians are being neglected by spiritual fathers that are either too busy or too self centered, to be much earthly or spiritual good. The need has never been greater or more urgent. I pray you will answer the challenge.