Spiritual Fatherhood
“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. (Matthew 23:8 - 10)
One of the many things that divide believers across denominations are the small things that humanity created. Some of those practices become doctrine: a set of beliefs held by a church or institution. However, Yeshua never asked us to follow doctrine: He asked us to follow Him (Luke 5:27), as He is the Word of God and the Truth personified (John 1:1 & 14; Revelations 19:13). That means that us believers need to spend time within the Word (John 5:39) and be willing to denounce what is false doctrine and false teachers.
One of the many questions being posed is that of spiritual fatherhood.
Some believers would say that it is alright to call someone father. Others would say that it is wrong and unbiblical in nature. This debate goes hand-in-hand with calling someone “master”. If we are to follow the Bible, than we must say that calling any other person father or master is wrong.
The reasoning behind what Yeshua said is important. When he commanded people to stop calling others ‘rabbi’ and ‘father’, it was to stop them from committing idolatry (Exodus 20:1 - 4). See that the word rabbi can be roughly translated to ‘master’ or ‘great one’. It is putting that person above you in status and power, however Yahweh should be the only person who is truly above you. It’s to keep the natural order that the Lord created in the garden of Eden (Genesis 1:26).
That presentation of reality should be clear and simple to understand, but others would contest and take it too far. Some would attest that is therefore unbiblical to call someone a teacher, but that is wrong. Yeshua was referring to the Pharisees who took places of honor in the lives of the jewish people, notably in the Temple and at the Festivals. This was wrong. To call someone a teacher if they are teaching you something isn’t wrong. Yet, it is wrong to elevate that person, when they are but a person just like you.
What does this mean in daily application? This means that us believers shouldn’t be calling anyone father that isn’t our biological father or Yahweh. In turn, that means that we should be free and not have any masters, for Yahwheh is the Master and Sovereign (Psalms 73:28). For some believers, that means also dispelling the idea that someone is their ‘spiritual father’ for having introduced them to the faith. It is a false doctrine and should be condemned and rectified.
In conclusion, spiritual paternity and fatherhood is one of the most important and decisive conversations in Christianity today. Many people hold differing ideas and interpretations. But we should all observe the bible and read diligently so that we do not fall into false doctrines and false teachings (2 Timothy 4:34). Our salvation depends on following the Word of God, Yeshua, for He is the light and the way.