PROMISE OF RESTORATION
One of the gravest sins found around the globe today is the chill of frozen hearts that are resident in spiritual fathers and mothers who no longer disciple
, resulting in disconnected Believers who are desperate for authentic affection and deserving devotion. It’s a concern of mine because I can contribute a big part of experiencing personal revival in my own life to the spiritual mothers and fathers
that have poured into me.
Yet, there is hope to be discovered because there remains a promise from long ago that I’ve repeated many times to many congregations across the globe— Malachi 4:5-6:
Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord. He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers
so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse
Over 2,500 years ago, God revealed to Malachi the significant value that He places on the restoration of relationships and the importance of covenant relationship. We are in a Kairos season
; God is on the move. He is sovereignly stepping in, and I prophesy that this sovereign moment will be marked by a revival of reconciliation not only in natural families but significantly in spiritual families as well.
THE TOP 3 MOST ASKED QUESTIONS
The God-ordained relationships that the enemy has worked hard at dismantling in the dark, God is swiftly swooping in and declaring for His people to “Arise and shine…” (Isaiah 60). I believe God’s justice is currently being served, and it is being demonstrated through the supernatural rekindling of His unfathomable love found in relationships grown cold. This move of God will catalyze personal revival and deepen the reality that we are, in fact, sons and daughters of God made manifest in the earth. This personal reconnection of hearts between sons and daughters and mothers and fathers will lead to a new great global awakening of God’s love. Thus, I feel it is encumbered upon me to address the most often asked questions about spiritual parents, covenant relationships, and how to prepare your heart for such a relationship.
- Should everyone have a spiritual father or spiritual mother?
In short, yes. It’s not so much a matter of should, rather a matter of fact that everyone deserves to have someone spiritually investing in their life. 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 states that God has given us the ministry of reconciliation. In other words, we are biblically mandated to serve others through the demonstration of a relationship that intentionally practices reconciliation.
Many believers are crying out to God to see His favor manifested in their lives. They want to walk in signs and wonders the way Jesus did and desire to see their destiny fulfilled. These are noble aspirations. Yet, there is no Godly favor that’s more excellent, no mightier of a miracle or destiny more divine than one encountering God’s unconditional love. I’m not merely speaking about a one-time run-in with God’s love (which is powerful and essential), I’m talking about the long-term, committed-without-conditions deep love that not only the world groans for but we all ache for and that can only be found through devoted and discipled relationships. - Should Believers have covenant relationships with their leaders like you have with Bill Johnson?
First, let me clarify what a covenant relationship is. The word covenant may sound like an archaic word that only cults or the staunchly religious use, but it’s purely a word to describe an inseparable bond formed through committed friendship. As Believers, we are in a new relationship (new covenant) with God which is mediated by Jesus (Hebrews 9:15). In John 15:15, Jesus said, “ No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends , for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you .” In that same chapter, vs 12, Jesus said, “ This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ”
Through the laying down of His life and demonstrated in His resurrection, Jesus exemplified that a covenant relationship is rooted in sonship and empowered by the devotion of true friendship. He’s invited us all into a relationship that is anchored around on-going, ever-increasing reconciliation. This is the gospel in a nutshell. It’s the love of a lifetime, the kind of love that ultimately casts out all fear, especially the fear of abandonment and rejection. The type of friendships that Jesus has with us and asks us to have with others was not meant to be a rare phenomenon, however it is because the Church has not embraced the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
To specifically answer the question: my relationship with Bill, which you can read more about here , is best described as a true friendship. It has nothing to do with him being a senior leader but everything to do with Bill himself. Devoted relationships aren’t about people’s position or title, rather it’s about the person. I would lay my life down for Bill, and I know he would do the same for me. Do you have a friendship like that? I believe we all long to have relationships in which people would die for us and us for them. In fact, I'm sure some of you already have genuine friendships as I have with Bill, but maybe you haven't given it the spiritual credit that it deserves or acknowledged the significance it's had in your life.
A word to the wise: A true friendship works both ways, it’s not one-sided and requires a lifetime of work and commitment. One example of a false friend is found in the relationship between Judas and Jesus. As you know, Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss because he pursued intimacy without covenant (see Luke 22:47). He was in a relationship with Jesus for what he could get out of it. He sold what was left of his stock in Christ for 30 pieces of silver. What it comes down to is, Judas did not want to be in a relationship that cost him anything.
- What do you do when you’ve been faithful to your local church but no spiritual father or mother has materialized in your life?
The challenge is, in a fatherless generation , there are a lot of Believers who act like orphans. It’s not necessarily their fault, rather a result of the deficit of love found in relationships today, but it feels nearly impossible to meet their many needs. It shouldn’t be that way. Not only do we need spiritual fathers and mothers to arise and shine in these dark days, but we need sons and daughters to not act like orphans! Here are a few things I would recommend to those who naturally desire a spiritual family:
- Learn how to be a son or daughter. Spend time meditating on the truth that you are a child of God (1 John 3). Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to prepare and heal your heart so that you can embrace a healthy discipling relationship. Believe me, God desires to bring people into your life that will encourage you, challenge you, and spur you on!
- Look for people in your daily life who model Christ . Though we are all in a spiritual family as we have been adopted into the family of God, there are some who are actively spiritual fathering and mothering. You’ll see it demonstrated in their lives through their relationships with one another. I encourage you to seek out these salt-of-the-earth individuals and give them access to your life. They may not be famous but they will be known by their love, wisdom, and devotion.
- Lead by example. It’s our responsibility to be mothers and fathers to other people. Look at those who naturally seek wisdom from you and make time to disciple them. Encourage and invest in their God-given destiny, and be known for the love of God that you carry.
I believe God desires to bring healthy spiritual relationships into your life as it will fuel your own personal revival. I encourage you to recognize the value of the relationships that are right in front of you; I pray that as you grow these relationships,, God will meet you in a deeper and more meaningful way!
