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“Spiritual Adolescence”

Thoughts for Today:

What does it mean to be a spiritual father? I have personally been placed in this role a number of times, so from my perspective here's the general sequence: For the first few years, a man I Iead to Christ (or begin a mentoring relationship with), thinks I can do no wrong. Then, as he goes through spiritual adolescence (the rebellious/prideful stage), he sometimes will become highly critical of everything I say or do – in other words, I can do no right. Finally, as spiritual maturity takes hold to complete the process -- he looks at me and says, "Right or wrong, you are my spiritual father and I appreciate you!"

Mark Twain summed up this process rather nicely when he said regarding his own father: "When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years." I think, based upon Paul's strained relationship with the Corinthian Church, they were in the "spiritual adolescence" stage. They were having great difficulty seeing anything Paul had done right.

Questions to Ponder:

Being a father can sometimes be a thankless job – that is until spiritual maturity sets in (Proverbs 10:1a): "A wise son brings joy to his father." Have you brought joy to your spiritual father? Have you reached spiritual maturity or are you still stumbling around in adolescence?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.