By Ashlie Miller
“God is so good!” my young adult son proclaimed after hearing his father (and pastor) echo something my son and I had discussed just a day earlier. “Did you and Dad talk about this?” he asked. “No, not at all, I suppose God wanted both you and me to remember the lesson,” I replied.
Less than 24 hours before, my son and I were talking about how young adults can have great wisdom that those much older take note of. “You don’t sound like most people your age,” he sometimes hears, in response to his reflections on church, God, and being a Christian. Why is that? Well, he would be the first to tell you he has had the benefit of years of discipleship, even outside the home. You may call it indoctrination, but that does not buffet his experience. He knows how he has, at times, let free will and other influences direct him toward more dangerous indoctrination.
We have learned the value of intentional discipleship. Beyond the wise words of a sage or mentor, in discipleship, there is a sense of accountability, learning, discernment, and allowing questions from someone who loves you about the choices you make.
Sadly, too often in the Church, new life in Christ (whether at a young age or an older one) is celebrated for its vivacity and zeal, yet nothing is done to pour into it further or direct it so it does not become a wildfire.
It makes me think of the importance of pollination with flowers. Flowers are the beauty of spring! They beckon the bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and many other critters to pollinate. Flowers certainly bring us as humans some measure of joy as they adorn gardens, landscapes, and even hidden coves. Their presence reflects hope and beauty – much needed in the grind of life. But flowers do fade over time.
Imagine an apple orchard in bloom. How intoxicating! For a while, it would be a lovely, ethereal place to visit. Probably some really beautiful photo opportunities. But if the blossoms never transitioned into fruit, what a disappointment – not only to us as consumers, but to the farmers and the ecosystem.
Likewise, the fruit of the Spirit that comes after years of sanctification and growth is meant to benefit the Church and others regularly. Love, joy, peace, patience, etc., are virtues that develop within us as evidence of the Holy Spirit living within! We were not meant to live as passionate, zealous people who never grow fruit to share with others!
Who has helped or is helping you grow beyond your passion? What effervescent young ones are giving you hope and allowing you to help navigate their energy to lasting fruit?
Ashlie Miller wipes the pollen off her porch table not nearly often enough lately. You can email her at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.
