“For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” Philemon 7 ESV
You don’t need to be a parent or teacher to know that kids both give and drain you of energy. Much of life is new to them, so they are full of questions, wonder and energy. Their prefrontal
cortices are not fully developed, so they’re more apt to take risks, whether positive or negative. Life with them is, well, messy.
The same can be said of new believers. (*Note new believers does not automatically mean young in chronological age.)
Much of what we take for granted and have come to see as “normal,” they see with hearts freshly set ablaze by the Spirit. They are just as amazed at Jesus’ victory on their behalf as they were when they first believed. Like the woman at the well, they must tell others about Him. Though they are younger in spiritual age, we “older” Christians can learn much from them.
I thank God for the older saints in my life who have shared/are sharing their wisdom with me, but I also thank Him for new believers who teach me in different ways. It’s not just their curiosity, but their faith that inspires me. Regardless of their physical age, they are like sponges who cannot help but soak up Jesus and in turn, pour Him out in their everyday lives (albeit with much to be sanctified, but that is the case for all of us).
When my soul needs refreshed, God brings a young believer into my path. Sometimes it’s mentally as I recall an example of His work in their life. Other times it is in real time as I meet someone new or spend time with those I already know.
Such is the recipe for a constant stream of zeal in one’s life. Of course, the Holy Spirit is THE source of spiritual refreshment and growth, but undoubtedly He uses other believers, especially new ones, as His vessels to give us this blessing.
Just within the past year or so, I have lived life with several new believers (only some of whom are younger than me in physical age) who have inspired me with a deeper appreciation for God, His Word and His work. All are at different stages in their walks.
Of course, each of these scenarios were messy, but making disciples is messy because people are messy.
I have heard them talk of Scripture as if they witnessed it first-hand, and not just New Testament accounts, but less common Old Testament treasures. I have watched them go from not understanding any Scripture to having a hunger for it and seeing its intricacy. I have witnessed the light bulb illuminate as they come to know the Holy Spirit’s voice and heed His direction. I have rejoiced in the chains God has broken, the hearts He has mended and the fires He has kindled in once darkened hearts.
And, my, has it been worth it. Of course, each of these scenarios were messy, but making disciples is messy because people are messy. None of the original 12 disciples were flawless, and only God knows how messy each of our lives are. Yet, just as it’s worth it to endure God’s refining touch, so it is to spend time with His newly adopted children.
So if you are in need of a fresh outpouring of zeal for the Lord, get to know a younger sibling in Christ. Better yet, get to know them before they know Jesus, and then wait in expectation for the Lord to come alive in their hearts. You’ll never be the same.
References:
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). Crossway Bibles.
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