If we think about life as a furnace that is working to purify us and burn off the impurities. Consider beyond the burning and what will be left and come out the other end of the process. Shouldn’t our focus be on that, what will last and not get burned up? Let’s be the dads who are choosing hope, love, and faith because we know they are the 3 things beyond our souls that will last for eternity.
Beyond the Burning:
These scriptures touch on the theme of enduring trials, focusing on eternal glory, and the refining process that leads to a greater purpose beyond the temporary challenges of life.
- 1 Peter 1:7 (NIV):
- “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
- 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV):
- “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
- Romans 8:18 (NIV):
- “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
- Hebrews 12:11 (NIV):
- “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
- James 1:12 (NIV):
- “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
- 2 Timothy 2:12 (NIV):
- “If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us.”
- 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 (NIV):
- “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.”
Choosing Faith, Hope, and Love as we focus on Eternity:
These scriptures emphasize the importance of faith, hope, and love in the Christian life and how these virtues play a crucial role in our journey towards eternity.
Beyond is Faith:
- Hebrews 11:1 (NIV):
- “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV):
- “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
- Romans 10:17 (NIV):
- “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”
Beyond is Hope:
- Romans 15:13 (NIV):
- “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
- Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV):
- “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
- 1 Peter 1:3 (NIV):
- “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Beyond is Love:
- 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV):
- “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
- Colossians 3:14 (NIV):
- “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
- 1 John 4:16 (NIV):
- “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and anyone who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in them.”
Today’s Verse of the Day:
And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 AMP
Firstly, let’s be the dads who focus on abiding trust in God and His promises! Secondly, let’s be the dads who focus on confident expectation of eternal salvation! Thirdly, let’s be the dads who focus on unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for us! Finally, let’s be the dads who use love as the fountain that helps us overflow into the lives of our wives and kids and world because of our faith, hope, and love in God.
How can we apply today’s verse of the day towards stepping up and stepping into being the best version of ourselves in order to meet the needs of our wives and kids? What can we do with it to make sure we live up to the calling of God so that He will receive the praise, the honor, and the glory in Jesus’ name?
Applications of 1 Corinthians 13:13 towards and beyond being the dads our wives, kids, and world need us to be in answering the call of God:
- Abiding Trust in God’s Promises (Faith):
- Start each day with prayer and meditation on God’s promises for your family.
- Trust God’s plan even in challenging times, demonstrating unwavering faith.
- Confident Expectation of Eternal Salvation (Hope):
- Teach your children about the hope found in Christ and the eternal life He offers.
- Encourage a positive and hopeful atmosphere at home, even in difficulties.
- Unselfish Love for Others (Love):
- Demonstrate love through selfless acts of service for your wife and children.
- Prioritize quality time with your family to cultivate a strong bond.
- Overflowing into the Lives of Others:
- Extend love beyond your family by being a positive influence in your community.
- Engage in acts of kindness and generosity toward others in need.
- Living Up to the Calling of God:
- Regularly reflect on your role as a father and seek God’s guidance in your responsibilities.
- Embrace the principles of love, faith, and hope as you navigate fatherhood.
- Praising, Honoring, and Glorifying God:
- Integrate regular family worship and prayer to praise and honor God together.
- Encourage an attitude of gratitude, acknowledging God’s goodness in your lives.
- Daily Renewal of Faith, Hope, and Love:
- Start each day by consciously renewing your commitment to faith, hope, and love.
- Allow God’s Word to continually inspire and strengthen your convictions.
- Modeling Love for God and Others:
- Be a living example of love by treating your wife and children with kindness and respect.
- Demonstrate a love for God through consistent spiritual practices.
- Teaching Children the Values of Faith, Hope, and Love:
- Integrate biblical teachings on faith, hope, and love into your family discussions.
- Help your children understand these values through real-life examples.
- Building a Legacy of Faith:
- Work towards leaving a legacy of strong faith, unwavering hope, and abundant love.
- Share your personal experiences of God’s faithfulness with your children.
