I just finished watching an interview where the interviewer praised the interviewee’s generosity. At first, the interviewee tried to play down his charitable activities. However, after further questioning from the interviewer, he replied, “The universe operates on fundamental principles, and there will come a time when you need to take something out. But how can you withdraw if you haven’t deposited anything in the first place?” I like how the interviewee framed his response, especially as it’s based on biblical principles – Proverbs 11:25.

Another reason why his comment resonated with me is that I am a generous person myself. This made me reflect on the origins of my giving nature. I can confidently say it was inherited from my father, Alston Miller. He was a true giver in every sense of the word, always offering assistance to others. Observing his actions instilled this trait in me, which remains a strong part of my personality today. I say, “Thank God that I learnt this from my father”, because what you learn from your father can either make you fail or succeed.  

Just as our earthly fathers shape us, we are also shaped by our Heavenly Father.  Therefore, let me ask you a question. Are you applying what you have learned from our Heavenly Father? Have you put in enough effort to learn and understand His teachings? Are you still at an elementary level of understanding, or have you progressed to the university level? Have you applied what you have learned to your daily life so that others can see the traits of the Heavenly Father in you?

When people look at you, can they say, “Wow, you really resemble your Father”? Or are they saying the opposite? Are they looking at you and not seeing any resemblance to the Heavenly Father? Are your behaviours and attitudes causing them to question your spiritual DNA and heritage?

My anecdotal thinking is that almost everything in life is learned behaviour. We learn to ride a bike, we learn to love, we learn math, we learn a foreign language, we learn, and we keep on learning. Learning shapes us and ultimately defines and characterizes us once we act upon that learning.  So, the question is, what set of learnings are you acting upon?

For example, when we lie, we show forth the learnings from another father, this father carries the title of Devil. Yes, he is a father who has also taught us. I remind us of John 8:44 – “ You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Let’s examine the flip side of this. According to John 14:9, Jesus claimed that whoever sees the Father, sees Him too. The reason behind this statement is that Jesus’ personality and characteristics were perfectly aligned with those of the Father. Thus, our actions reflect which father we choose to represent, and we have three options to choose from. These include the Heavenly Father (God), our earthly father (parental), and the Devil, who can also be considered a father as he produces children after his kind.

Out of all these fathers, only one truly comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10); therefore, choosing the right father to emulate is critical; it is literally a life-and-death choice. I underscore that everyone should want to be a disciple and learn everything from the Heavenly Father.  No wonder Jesus said to come and learn of me and I will give you rest – Matthew 11:29

A lost child may point to someone and say, “That is my father,” but for the relationship to be confirmed, the person must be able to look at the child and say, “That is my child.” Similarly, many of us may claim to have a relationship with God, saying “He is my Father,” but how many of us can God look at and say, “That is my child”?

We are warned about this in Matthew 7:22-24, were God says He does not know us:

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Today, I wanted to pause and allow all of us to reflect on how much we know God, and are known by God. I also wanted to remind us to keep learning of Him and showing His ways. I hope you found this blog helpful, and I encourage you to look at the following – Being a Disciple – Is it really what you think?

PS: Dane Miller was last seen on a street corner talking to some strangers and telling them all the great things he has learned from His Heavenly Father.  

Your Brother in the Lord,

Dane Miller – “God is the Author, I am the Pen”

Authored Book – What is the Woman Saying – Lessons from Biblical Women.

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