[This reflection by Dennis Ginter was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 24/Aug/2025]
I’ve had this on my mind for several weeks. Reading some of the 19th century ‘Unspoken Sermons’ of George McDonald (not light reading!), I was convinced perhaps, of his most important principle: to PUT OFF obeying the Father’s instruction is the same as DISOBEYING it.
That’s been a besetting tendency (SIN!) of mine all my life! I’d much rather engage in analysing a problem in my behaviour than determining to change the behaviour. Mistaking Father God for my earthly father, I rebelled against what I saw as impossible – and unloving – demands.
McDonald’s father was the kind of man a son delights to obey – strict but very, very loving. McDonald says that his father never refused even one of his son’s requests! That sounds weak and unwise until you really stop and think about it. (I’ll ask you to do that, instead of trying to explain it!)
All of us need re-fathering. Until we can enjoy an open, honest, loving, child-father relationship with God, we’ll be insecure, attention-seeking, and DISOBEDIENT! That disobedience might be openly rebellious or ‘just’ disrespectful, distant, and independent. Much of my life was seriously messed up because of my inability or refusal to distinguish between my dad and Father God. I’m slowly clearing up that confusion.
I’ve been repenting of my procrastination, thinking that was what Jesus expected of me. Now I’m beginning instead to be deeply grateful that I’m the beloved son of the Father whom Jesus – my elder brother – delighted to please!
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Last Sunday’s reflection: Come To Jesus and Live! by Chris Ginter
Contributed by Dennis Ginter; © Dennis Ginter