A Father’s Day Reality Check

 

	“Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift…”
	—1 Corinthians 1:7a

We get to make a lot of choices in this life: what we eat; where we live; who we select as friends; where we worship. The choices go on and on.

We also get to choose how we respond to things that happen in our lives.

For example, this particular weekend is a difficult one for me. On Father's Day in 2011, a dear friend of mine who had served a church with determination and diligent work was fired without just cause and in total violation of Matthew 18:15-17.

Imagine! Fired on Father's Day! This dear friend grew up without a father in his life and yet has raised three wonderful sons of his own. Now he must live with a horrible memory that will forever mar what is supposed to be a day of celebration.

How did he respond to those who treated him so horribly? He has consistently reached out to those who harmed him seeking reconciliation, just as the Bible commands.

Of course many of those who acted so hurtfully have refused to be reconciled. Only a very few have acknowledged their sin and sought forgiveness. And, no one has sought to make restitution for the harm they have done.

My friend made a choice to follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, even when those who harmed him ignored the requirements of Scripture in order to satisfy their own evil intent.

I have been greatly blessed in observing how faithfully my friend has clung to Jesus' teaching, especially since after three years he remains without suitable full-time employment.

As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:7-9:

Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

In every situation that comes our way, may we strive to purposefully make wise choices. If we do, we will bring glory to the God who loves us.

 

_{Copyright © 2014 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}