The Apostle Paul and I have the same overall purpose as he wrote in the second chapter of Colossians:
2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, both of THE FATHER and of Christ.
There are two mysteries contained in this verse: the revelation of Christ and the revelation of OUR FATHER. All believers have some understanding of Christ and purpose to take on His qualities but I am convinced that less understand FATHER. For many “seeing is believing” and as people read the Gospels they can picture Jesus doing those wondrous acts and out of Love and dying on the cross for us. To a much less degree do they understand FATHER’S Divine Intent of Love.
Paul understood this mystery as he wrote in 1 Corinthians chapter 4:
14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.
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.
Paul made it his mission to bring many unto maturity in Christ. As we mature we should be able to minister life to others and be a good example for them to follow. As we uphold the highest standards according to FATHER’S Divine Intent, others will be encouraged to do so. If we are constantly seen as compromising our values, then others will be unable to rely on our word. As we stand on the Truth in Love, we set an example for those who are less mature. As they see that we base our life on the WORD of GOD, they will be encouraged to do the same for they see the peace prevailing in our life.
Whether we like it or not, we are constantly being judged by others. Many are waiting for us to stumble and fail just as the Pharisees were constantly challenging Our Lord and Savior as He walked the earth. These people try to justify their path of death and destruction by others’ failures to be perfect. My responsibility is to continually point their focus to that of Jesus Christ, our High Priest Who is without spot and without failure.
This is why forgiveness is so critical for those who desire to be knit together in unity. Love provides the path to unity by first forgiving others. As Jesus said “Forgive them they know not what they do”. We all had to be forgiven of our sins and lawlessness before we could come into unity with FATHER. As a father I have had to forgive my children in their immaturity countless times, knowing that as they gained wisdom they would no longer be lawless and rebellious.
Do we really need 10,000 instructors in Christ? The Gospel is really simple and thus we need mature examples of how to walk accordingly. Mature believers are those who have found the simplicity of Christ for all to understand. They do not try to be condescending and puffed up in knowledge as though they are one of the few elite. Instead, they see the potential in everyone to rise to their calling in Christ. They don’t belittle others who think differently and withhold revelation but look for appropriate opportunities to share at the level the other person is at in his or her walk. Yes, there are times to be silent about the deeper things FATHER has shown you but that should not prevent you from ministering to others at their level of understanding.
Fathers who Love their children always have the unity of the family in mind as they minister maturity to their children. Some children have to be separated from the others for a season but in the end, the family unity is always in mind. How much greater is this Truth in the family of GOD! We are called to be knit together in Love, not necessarily in knowledge or understanding for we are all at different levels of maturity. Forgive those who don’t see eye to eye. Let diversity be among the group for it adds some “spice” to life. Accept others with those diverse opinions, knowing that FATHER will correct their error (or yours) at the proper time. Be knit together in Love.