My 20s have come to an end recently, and unlike many I do not dread getting older, in fact I find as I age, I am maturing more in spirit. My birthday on this earth may be the day I was born in 1992. But The anniversary of my salvation is age 17, when I was reborn, the same age as the major prophet Jeremiah. Just as the “Weeping Prophet” doubted himself for his youth, I too have when younger. I never believed I could be who I am today, transformed and made perfect (whole) in Christ, just as 2 Corinthians 5:17 says– “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Death made me alive, and now I live as a Doulos servant for my Savior. Jesus began His ministry when he turned 30, and so shall I officially begin mine as I have received more spiritual wisdom, prophetic dreams, and drawn nearer than ever to Christ since the day before. Each day I am chasing more mysteries and digging deeper for more understanding of His Living Word. Each day the Lord gives me an opportunity to share His love and witness and help others. He has called me to blog in “It Ain’t Over Ministries,” and he has called me to the 5-Fold Ministry as a teacher.
In the Holy Bible, age holds significance, such as 12 years old being known as the age of accountability. This maturity, although still young is described as a time in a child’s life when they gain awareness of their sinful nature and will be held accountable to the Lord. Luke 2:42-46 reveals why being a 12-year-old is so important– “And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking questions.” Jesus had an ardent desire to understand the teachers, and it is believed that this thirst for knowledge is for a desire to know the right things so he could do the right things.
Science supports the idea that before age 7, we do not even have a concept of time, but as we age time becomes real and seems to move more quickly. Commonly, age 27 also appears to be when we understand how to allocate our time and we place more importance on priorities rather than procrastination and wasting time.
Unfortunately, there are those still given to laziness and complacency even beyond this age. I believe that this can hinder spiritual growth, so instead of embracing my own desires, I choose to die to myself, and surrender my wants and needs to match God’s Will for my life. His Will for His children is for them to show a broken world God’s agape love, witness to others and testify of His goodness, and do as Jesus did, evangelizing and doing great works such as casting out demons, and healing the sick.
Romans 12:2 reveals this– “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” We are taught in the Scriptures what is good and acceptable in the eyes of God. Philippians 4:8 describes how to think and behave as a Christian– “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
2 Responses
Amen! Good word! It is important to remember that “wisdom” is not marked by the number of the age of a person, but rather by the way they have spent their many years learning from their mistakes and wrong choices. Wisdom also comes from studying and applying the Scripture to one’s life.
🙂
Just as Paul encouraged Timothy, so I encourage you: Let no one despise your youth. Your wisdom in the Word and in the Lord is already evident. Anyone can attain this level if they are diligent enough, even if they are young.