Who is Your Father?

"For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence." 1 Corinthians 26-29

In recent years many of us have seen or experienced with much pain and sadness the fall of men and women of faith whom we have held in high esteem. We deemed them special and often idolized them due to their ability to preach and teach the Word of God. Far too often the fall of that individual led to a falling away of the flock. This frequently happens because we have not truly hidden the word in our hearts. The Apostle Paul clearly states in verses 26-29 of 1 Corinthians 1 that God chooses flawed individuals purposely. God knows that flesh will fail, it always has, from Adam through today. God wants to make it easy for us to distinguish between the man or woman He uses and Himself. Yet we insist upon worshipping the individual which only leads to heartbreak. It is not a new problem. Paul writes, "For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God giveth the increase." 1 Corinthians 3:4-7 The glory is God's alone. He is the source of all that is good in our lives. Appreciate those who are submitted to God, but do not allow them to become a stumbling block between you and God. Examine your faith. If something happens in your life, do you go to God first or your idol? I am not saying that you should not seek wise counsel, but let your first response be prayer. Christ is the ultimate intercessor. He sits on the right hand of the Father and pleads our case. Remember, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33 Finally, we would all be wise to heed the words of Jesus, "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven." Matthew 23:8-9