Scripture
"Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well." (1 Thessalonians 2:7)
Observation
While I look back fondly on the first days and even first year of my daughter Jillian’s life, those fond memories are balanced off by the times Jana and I thought, “wow, how do we do this? How were we able to take care of this baby while in reality we can barely take care of ourselves?” And now, as she enters her 13th year, I’m still thinking the same thing! With dance classes, school activities and expanding homework, I find myself asking again, “wow, how do we do this?”
And now the Apostle Paul rolls in this morning and both encourages and scares me, basically saying this is how it’s gonna be if you love something and your life is committed to it.
Application
I know, kinda weird for a guy to shout out a verse that talks about nursing mothers but think about it, Paul is saying we if we love something, in this case the Church, then we need to care for it as a nursing mother cares for her children. While I’ll never know what that’s like, I can takeaway a few things:
- It’ll take sacrifice. I witnessed Jana sacrifice time, sleep, eating, the whole 9. If we’re to care for and love His Church like a nursing mother cares for a child, then we need to be ready and willing to sacrifice.
- It’s a life-long process. As a parent, I never ever see me saying at any point in their life, “well, I think they got it...I’m out, job’s done!” Rather, they’ll never get old enough, mature enough, or wise enough for me to stop being their parent, their go to. I’m committed to be there ‘til the end of the line. Likewise, God’s church will always need care.
- Now this one’s a stretch so bear with me...speaking in current terms, Nursing is a hot topic right now. Do mother’s have that right or should they be cognizant of where they are and how they do it? Again, kind of a stretch but it speaks to me, here goes. We can’t be ashamed about loving the Church and we can’t go and hide away when the time calls for us to protect and prosper her. It needs to be right here right now, not hold on and wait.
And the final thought...Paul ends his statement to the Thessalonians by telling them how delighted he is to care for the church and share his life as well. Not only was Paul willing, but delighted in the action. So, point 4?
4. Perspective is key. As a wise friend always says, “a posture of praise rights your perspective.” I need to see my thoughts into a higher stage to say, “I get to do this rather than I have to this.” Thank you Jesus for blessing me with these children, with this church. As I delight in the blessing I delight in the task as well.
Prayer
Jesus, You’ve never left my side and You never will. May I take your example of faithfulness and fatherhood and apply it in a way that my children and church feel and experience the same unwavering and unconditional love. Amen
