I know these thoughts are kind of scattered, but as I continue to study the subject of the role of spiritual fathers & mothers in the 21st century, these are some points that I am pondering in my own heart:
1.The fatherless generation will not take our advice or be a part of our church or even ministry program just because it sounds good or promises them satisfaction. Because of the abandonment of their natural fathers this has created in them an orphan mindset. Hence, they have already created their own structures that they know are good (in their own eyes & by their own experience), they are safe and have brought them satisfaction and for some, produced an element of wealth for them. They will not accept our structures just because we think they are good or Godly. Their experience with families and with the church and its inability to help their own fathers and mothers stay together, have a stable walk with God, and stay connected in their lives. This has produced a strong skepticism in their hearts toward spiritual leadership that can only be changed by the Holy Spirit…and our patience.
2.They think we have abused and wasted the inheritance they thought was destined for them, so again, they are developing their own inheritance.
3.They feel like we have wasted and abused our environmental resources that should have been left as a legacy for them and future generations, thus the reason for programs and buzzwords like the “Green New Deal”, wealth distribution, environmental friendly resources, climate change, etc…
4.Down deep in their hearts, I still think…no, I know, they are looking for a father, not an overseer and certainly not a dictator in any sense of the word.
5.There are many who are crying out for a father but are not going to come chasing for us; we are going to have to keep looking for them. The story in Luke 15 of the Prodigal son, is actually not the story of the prodigal son as much as it is the story of the faithful father. That father kept looking for and waiting for his son to come to himself, then come back to the father.
We can cry out, pronounce a curse, rebuke, get mad and complain about this generation all we desire, but it will not change the problem. We must have God help us to turn our heart toward the sons, then the sons’ hearts will turn toward the fathers. Malachi 4:5,6
What does this have to do with us today?
The question is really…where do we go from here?
It’s time! It’s time we hear from God, lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and allow God to make us the spiritual fathers & mothers this generation so desperately needs; and I believe are crying out for.
Let’s run with Jesus because we have come to the Kingdom for such a time as this!!!
