Gal6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. KJV
SUBMITTING TO A FATHER FIGURE
Sometime ago, I was admitted in the hospital. The doctor said he needed to monitor my health for some hours to be sure I responded properly to the treatment given to me. To be sincere, i felt I could return home but based on his medical experience, he saw the need to monitor something about my health to be sure I was fit medically. Under normal circumstance, it is improper for a sick person to diagnose and prescribe drugs for himself. Though we do this often in this part of the world but it is improper. Under ideal condition, the services of a doctor is needed for accurate diagnosis, prescription of drugs and monitoring until recovery is full. The wounded soldier can be likened to a patient in need of a doctor- a father figure.
To be restored fully, you need to understand that God has placed people on your path to play the role of a spiritual doctor that would help in diagnosis, prescription and monitoring until you recover fully. In fact, a believer that is committed to kingdom discipleship under a leader living like Jesus and whose goal is to help others live like him may not get wounded in the battle. The period of deep spiritual injury should not be the time to operate as a lone ranger. The devil's tactics to get kingdom soldiers injured in the Christian race and to ultimately destroy them is to isolate them from those who can hold them accountable. Isolation leads to destruction. I heard about a lonely soldier that was attacked at the war front because he didn't follow the direction of his commandant.
In your quest for restoration, you need to submit to a spiritual father. The wounds resulting from backsliding should not be nursed alone. The role of a father figure in your life is to discipline, disciple, and restore you by taking you through a process. The person God has chosen to play this role over your life must be sought for prayerfully. The person must genuinely interested in your soul not your pocket. As long as no one is holding you accountable in your conduct, you have opened the door for the enemy to inflict more wounds. In our faith journey, lone rangers may go fast but they don't go far.
Father, restore me.