^“ And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;  And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves” [1 Thessalonian 5:12-13 KJV].

The Central Executive Counsel [CEC] of ACFM had set aside a day like this, 4^th of June 2023, for the ACFM family worldwide to honour the General Overseer of the Mission, who is our spiritual father. This is scriptural and also cultural. The world in recognizing the importance roles of fathers, had also declared a specific day every year to celebrate Father’s Day. The scripture bears testimony to this in Exodus 20: 1 – 15.

Scholars in theology have since divided the Ten Commandments into three parts: The first is our worship and service to God, the second part is our service unto our father and mother and the third part is our relationship with others.

The book of Exodus arrogates worship only to God. He alone is to be worshipped, while honour is ascribed to man.  So, in between our relationship with God and others there is a father who connects us to God. God is our Father but He has placed over us someone who will take up that responsibility on His behalf and teach us the way of life and this is what our General Overseer represents in this Mission.

In our opening text, the Bible made us to understand that the father whom God has placed over us should be esteemed. No wonder it’s said in the scripture I can have many instructors but only one father. According to verse 12 of our opening text, the first thing God demands of us is to know who our father is. After we have known him, we are to esteem him according to verse 13.  To esteem in this context means to hold very highly with appreciation. It also means to hold him in high regards and to respect and show admiration.

Why do we have to honour fathers?

1. God commanded it in Exodus 20: 12.
2. Jesus demands it. Luke 17: 12 – 19 is an account of the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus. Jesus commanded them to go show themselves to the Priest. The Priest at that time validates their wholesomeness. But only one of the lepers came back to thank Jesus in appreciation and the Jesus asked, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine…? [Luke 17: 11 – 19]. Are you like the other nine leppers who did thought it unnecessary to return with appreciation? We are living at a time when ingratitude has become a norm. Children no longer appreciate their parents; people do things for others and it’s not appreciated. The one leper who came back in thanksgiving was made “whole” because he displayed gratitude.
3. It is cultural. The society frowns at people who don’t honour their parents. Appreciating parents is held as a virtue in most cultures.
4. Our father is a gift unto us [Jeremiah 3: 15]. Our General Overseer is a gift to the body of Christ and unto us. Gifts are meant to be valued.
5. It is a great sacrifice to be a man of God. The prices our General Overseer pays to remain the man we celebrate today are enormous.
6. Criticism from men. Men of God are the most criticized. There is an expectation placed upon Christians most especially pastors. That’s why others can commit all manner of evil and the media will not escalate it but if a Pastor does same, the story will make headlines. So, it’s imperative of pastors to keep themselves because what ordinary people would do and get away with, they can’t. What great sacrifice.
7. Labour in preparing sermons, studying and praying day in day out.
8. Deprivation from family. Most times they are denied the joy of association with their families.
9. Contending with principalities and powers. The enemy strive to attack them so the sheep can scatter.
10. Temptations and afflictions.

How to honour our father in the Lord:

1. Deuteronomy 5:16 enjoin us to appreciate him.
2. Be responsive to him. Accept and obey him. One of the things that gladden the father is when his instructions are adhered to. It gives him a sense of fulfilment in knowing he has responsible children.
3. Treat him with respect and give him special treats
4. Pray for him.
5. Listen to his counsel and instructions [Proverbs 23: 26].
6. You must know he is also human. Don’t make his job difficult for him.
7. Encourage him.
8. Return with thanks when he helps you to solve a problem.
9. Provide for his physical needs.

Benefits of Honouring our Spiritual Father

1. The Bible says the first commandment given that has a promise attached to it is: “Honour your father and your mother” – it promises longevity of life [Ex. 20: 12].
2. Receive wholesomeness. We can see this in the story of the ten lepers [Lk.17:11– 19]
3. Isaac called his son go and get me something after he has eaten his spirit was elated and he blessed his son [Genesis 27: 28 – 29]. This is a reward of honour.
4. Deliverance and preservation [Hosea 12: 13, 2 king 4: 13 – 17].
5. Prosperity [2 Chronicles 20: 20]

As we honour our spiritual father, we are carrying out a spiritual exercise unto the Lord and as we do, the blessings of God shall not elude us.

QUOTES:

“The book of Exodus arrogates worship only to God. He alone is to be worshipped, while honour is ascribed to man.”

“We are living at a time when ingratitude has become a norm. Children no longer appreciate their parents; people do things for others and it’s not appreciated.”

“Society frowns at people who don’t honour their parents. Appreciating parents is held as a virtue in most cultures.”