WE come to the end of this 17th chapter in our study Principles of Spiritual Growth, titled Cultivation, being reminded as to how our author ended last week’s comments:
To the extent that we learn how our Father has had to handle us through the years will we understand how He would have us share with others. We must be cultivated to be cultivators.
AS we have seen, this is an on-going process in which we must continue to do “the process.” In fact that is the title of the next and last chapter, “Continuance.” Another word for this that might be more familiar to us is Perseverance; but I’m getting ahead when I need to stay on topic.
CONSIDERING today’s closing comments, two things come to mind. First, there is the reality that that which doesn’t expand (or grow) contracts. This is a principle I have referenced before and could speak to at length, but for now let me just state it as the axiom it is. Second, there is the reality that ultimately, we are saved to serve, even though saying this may fly in the face of last week’s consideration. Remember the author’s statement, “We are not saved to serve, we are matured to serve.” The issue here in not that we are “never” to serve, but that we serve in due season, having found a measure of growth and maturity to God’s call and purpose. But there is also the scripture that comes to mind found in 2 Corinthians 1, as you have been comforted in Christ, we are to comfort and encourage others (my paraphrase). As we have been blessed, the opportunities are going to be there to pay forward the blessings of Christ to others that we have found and enjoyed for ourselves. This is part of our reasonable service mentioned in Romans 12:1-2.
THERE are other points we could draw from this. I would challenge you to prayerfully consider what other parallels the Lord might reveal from your own musing upon these things. But for now, let’s get to the closing instruction of this chapter.
In the inexorable riches of Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10, Isa 30:15, Jas. 1:2
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Chapter 17—Cultivation …conclusion
To the extent that we learn how our Father has had to handle us through the years will we understand how He would have us share with others. We must be cultivated to be cultivators.
It is injurious for one believer to be forcing another into “blessing” which that soul may not be ready for. Forced advance really gives the enemy his opportunity to mislead, for those who try to rush on at the push of others cannot stand alone, nor bear the tests of their assumed positions.
Then, too, in all our service there is the proper motive to be fully considered. “Work should be regarded less with reference of its immediate results, or as to how it may affect this or that person; the great question is, will it, when sifted in His presence, be acceptable to Him? And this acceptability to Him is my reward: ‘Wherefore we labour that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him’ (II Cor. 5:9). One does not enough go forth to work in the joy and strength of one who comes out from his home to run his course. Many seem to droop because there are no grapes and are not happy unless they are doing. Doing is right enough in itself, but the order ought to be from happiness to work, and not work to be happy. It is from the inner circle, the hive, the heart where Christ reigns, the only green spot, the fond enclosure—the sanctuary, that one should come forth to work. The quality of one’s work depends on the nature of one’s rest—and the rest should be like His own, known and enjoyed with Him. We have but small ideas of how our outward bears the color of our inward, and if our inward is not restful, there cannot be a rest-imparting service, however it may be attempted.”
P.S. “The greatest proof of our love for Christ is that we care for those who belong to Him; ‘Lovest thou me? … Feed my sheep’ [John 21:16]” (J. B. S.).
