In spite of my best efforts to see whether the apples on our tree are ready for picking, they seem to indicate that they would like to stay on the tree for a bit longer.
I didn't know that some apples are not ripe until December, but there they are, looking red and shining, happy in their autumnal beauty. And these late ripening apples, one quarter of the whole harvest, remind me that people ripen at different rates too.
Spiritual maturity isn't something that is determined by age. Something else needs to be going on.
St. Paul, in writing to the new Christians in Colossae, reminds them that developing fruitfulness is something we should expect. 'This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.' (Colossians 1.6)
At our Church Council meeting last evening, we spent some time, in pairs, looking at this verse and the life of our Church. We were looking for signs of fruitfulness, especially in changed lives. It was most encouraging to notice more children in Sunday School, more people coming to worship regularly, more activity in the Coffee Shop, and much else. Some are involved in the Growing Leaders course, and are finding that very helpful.
Because this is God's work, and he is able to bring about real life change even in people like us, we can be thankful to Him, and entrust ourselves to help us all to keep growing towards maturity.
What is the change which you would like God to bring about in your life? Pray for that, and look for ways to join Him in his work. It is never too late to grow towards maturity.
Best wishes,
Richard
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