We do things because of Our Father; we do things for our sons.
1 Corinthians 4:15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me.
In Christian circles the focus has been on being one of the “sons of God” as stated in 1 John 3:1-2:
1John 3:1
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
1John 3:2
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
A father is an originator or transmitter whereas a son is a receiver and responds to the direction of the father.
Paul was urging those in the Corinthian church to mature in their walk and become “fathers” rather than instructors. How can we take on the attributes of Our Heavenly Father? By spending time in His midst. Jesus communed with Our Heavenly Father and made the statement: I and [my] Father are one. (John 10:30) Has our focus been too narrow? The Passover feast focuses on Jesus, Pentecost focuses on the Holy Spirit, and Tabernacles focus on Our Heavenly Father. Surely we are called to take on the qualities of Our Heavenly Father in order to properly operate in the Tabernacles era. We must take on HIS character of being a “lawgiver”, a “life giver”, a provider, a source of wisdom from above, etc.
John differentiates the three levels of maturity in 1 John 2:
1John 2:13
I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
Fathers, young men, and little children show a consistency with the three areas of focus mentioned above. Justification for the little children or the immature is first in the process of growth. Sanctification by the Holy Spirit allows the young men to overcome the wicked one. Fatherhood comes from knowing Him that is from the beginning which I believe is a reference to Jesus, the Holy Spirit, AND Our Heavenly Father. In the beginning, GOD…
Young men still show signs of immaturity as their focus is on “doing” whereas the focus on the fathers is “being” or at rest. The ego of conquering is still present among the young men.
As we move towards Fatherhood, we will become providers to those in lack, rather than consumers. The Father’s Love and wisdom will emanate from us and those who are exposed to this Love and wisdom will seek to stay in the presence with great joy. Jesus demonstrated these attributes by multiplying the bread and the fishes, healing the sick, and opening the eyes of the spiritually blind.
Consider how and where you spend your discretionary time. Do your pastimes promote fatherhood or your ego? Are your children starved for your presence while you pursue your hobby? Small children have an inner desire to commune with their earthly father. The desire can go dormant if left unfulfilled. As we grow older we set aside that inner desire as we go conquer the various mountains confronting us. You have the indisputable right to have a relationship with Our Heavenly Father. You have a covenant of blessing not suffering. How do you realize your covenant? How do you guarantee success in this life? By finding out what part of HIS plan you are. Tests and trials are to bring forth maturity and completeness of character. Fatherhood is a result of the fullness of maturity, tried and tested and found to be genuine. If we are to imitate or become like Paul and become mature fathers, we should pursue the greatest example.
What can you give Our Heavenly Father who is the originator and transmitter of life? Nothing except communion in His Presence! As you spend time in His Presence, you will take on the qualities of a father. One of the greatest expressions of Love is for the son to become like The Father.