City Life Starter

Written by Scott Fiddler

The Word

5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:5-10 (NKJV)

Reflection

My parents and most of my extended family live in the same small town in Indiana, halfway across the country from where I live. So, I don’t get to see them often, and when I do visit them for a day or two, I usually spend all my time with them.  

A few years ago though, we had a Fourth of July celebration with food, fireworks and family fellowship, and I was able to see aunts, uncles, and cousins I had not seen in years. Seeing a person you know well in five or ten year increments is a lot like time-lapse photography: It gives you perspective that familiarity plus proximity obscure. Change is highlighted instead of hidden in gradual change. This got me thinking about aging.

I’ve noticed as people age, one of two things generally happen: (1) they either appear to become more hardened and gruff, more self-centered, and care less about the needs of others; or (2) they become more selfless, more adaptable, and care more about the needs of others. But people rarely appear to stay the same. I realize this is a broad generalization, subject to exceptions and gradations, but the distinction is real. It’s like the first group becomes more abrasive with age and the second more palatable.

It’s the same with beer and wine.  As beer ages it becomes offensive to the palate. This realization is what gave birth to the idea of “born-on dating” for beer. A lot of people like beer, but I don’t know anyone who likes it when it is old. Wine is the opposite:  as it ages it gets smoother and more palatable. Even very expensive wine, if you drink it too soon will have a harsh edge, but age will transform it into something even a wine novice can enjoy.

As I’ve gotten older, though, I realize there is another factor that is at play as well. As people get older, they tend to care less about what others think of them, and they no longer have the energy or desire to put up pretense. By “put up pretense” I mean acting nice to people even when they are not feeling it. We all do it, and it is not a bad thing. It is why we can generally get along with people at work, but have more trouble at home with family, where our family can see what is really behind the curtain.

But as Christians, we are to be in the process of being conformed to the image of Christ, also known as sanctification. This process can takes years, and it is only fully completed when we are glorified and go to be with Jesus. Everyone starts at different places in the process of sanctification, and some move faster than others, but God is at work in Christians as they work with Him to accomplish His will in their lives. Philippians 2:12-13. And His will is our sanctification. I Thessalonians 4:3.

Application

Jesus is the Great Vintner. He turned water into incredible wine.  John 2:1-11.  So here’s the question: As age begins to pull down the curtain on your soul, and people begin to taste who you really are, will they taste the flat, stale beer of man or the smooth, complex wine of the Great Vintner?

Prayer

Lord, work in my to your good pleasure to conform me into the image of Jesus. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.