To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a
time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that
which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time
to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a
time to mourn, and a time to dance.
The above question is based on
the book titled, Seasons of Inspiration for Spiritual Growth
that looks at life
in seasons as they relate to spiritual growth and the handiworks of God. Each
discussion topic is centered on a central theme for the month as each is
designed for spiritual growth.
In preparing a child for a
lifetime of commitment to Christ, which begins at birth and continues to death
as the believer never stop growing in Christ. A person's spiritual growth is
broken down as such, from birth to 18 years of age is known as the years of
preparation (YOP), and from 19-30 years old is known as the maturation years
(YOM), and from 31 to death is known as the preservation and perpetuation years
(YOPP) (Manual for Nurture for Baptist Churches). However, I prefer to break
out the preservation and perpetuation years into two groups to include the
winter season of one's life. This incorporates Titus 2 men and women as men are
to "be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, charity, in patience"
(v 2). While verses 3-4 talks about aged women having the same type of behavior
so that they can teach the younger women to be sober and love their husbands.
With that being said, life's
seasons parallel that of one's physical life growth. Spring represents new
babes in Christ; spring planting occurs in the spring, therefore to make new
disciples for Christ matured and seasoned Christians (summer and fall seasons)
are to teach and train the new babes as we train our children according to
Deuteronomy 6:7 during their preparatory years (YOP). When do we begin teaching
our children? We begin at age one, which includes godly teachings as well as
secular life lessons. Summer is the growing season in the child life where
there is evidence of training in his or her preparatory years. During the
summer growth children become strong and healthy in the Lord as well in their
earthly lives as they have been prepared to take on adult roles and assume
leadership positions. Also, during summer growth watering, feeding and
nurturing continues as God's Word is designed continuous feeding and watering.
John 6:35 speaks of Him being "the bread of life" and all who eat of
Him shall hunger no more, and neither shall the person thirst ever again. While
John 7:38 speaks of the ever-flowing river of water that God provides through
the Holy Spirit. Eat and drink God's holy word and Grow.
What is the purpose of
the fall season? The fall
season is for harvesting the crops that have grown and produced the desired
fruits--other Christians for God's kingdom. Fall is making ready for the winter
season when no physical food can be gathered. In our spiritual lives, mature
Christians are to be well indoctrinated in God's Word and His righteousness. As
mature Christians we are to represent Christ daily and obey the Great
Commission given by Christ Himself (Matthew 28:19-20). Fruit of the spirit
(Galatians 5:22-23) are manifested during the fall season because there will be
a spiritual harvest and our service record will indicate who we as mature
Christians brought to Christ. The winter season is known as a period of rest as
the long snowy days have taken hold from the laborious days of spring, summer
and fall where rewards of our labor in witnessing Christ and winter Christians
enjoy the bountiful harvest crops (fruitful believers). The
manifestation of Christ is true Christian growth.
Who is the winter
Christians? They are those
believers spoken of in Titus 2, who remained faithful to the Lord. Do these
servants stop serving God? No, they are looked upon as the age of wisdom as
they walk and talk with the grace of God. These Christians/believers have a
plethora of life experiences to share with the younger generation on life's
journey. The Titus 2 men and women (winter) has lived a lifetime for Christ who
can and does speak with a voice of authority as they have first-hand knowledge
of God and His righteousness and have witnessed His awesome powers.
The Titus 2 men and women have
come to know and accept God's wisdom over that of the world as God's wisdom to
the world appears foolish. Accept the foolish wisdom of God over the
wise wisdom of the world because God's wisdom is far superior.
Our lives are in four seasons of
growth, and our spiritual lives mirror our physical being, and in doing so,
God's mighty hand is ever-present.
We are to reverence God for who
He is and what He has and continues to do in the lives of all humanity.
All seasons are one continuous growth cycle.
We welcome your
comments.
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