No Distinctions, but Christ

<sup>"Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all and in all"
~Colossians 3:11

I'm going to make an addition to this list:

There is neither old or young in Christ.

There I said it. Are you a young person who believes he/she can only relate to other young people? Why? Is Christ alive in you? Does that older person (whether it be pastor, parent, or other) not also have the living Spirit of Christ in him/her? Are you an older person who feels that the younger generation are "un-relatable"? May I ask why? If God is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever, then you can probably share some his unchangeable attributes to us kids.

Let me tell you a story. It's a Bible story that you may or may not recall. The main character's name is Rehoboam. Sound familiar? He was the son of Solomon, the wisest man on earth.

Now there arose a situation during the beginning of his reign where Rehoboam didn't know what to do. So, naturally he looked to his counselors. First he goes to "the old men who had stood before Solomon his father while he was still alive." They give him their advice based on the wisdom that God has given to them through their years of experience. Now Rehoboam abandons their advice and turns to "the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him." Now these young gentlemen give him their advice based on their experience. Rehoboam listens to them, and the result: a kingdom lost. (Read the full story at 1 Kings 12).

Do you think this is an isolated incident? Read Judges 16, the story of Samson.

"But his father and mother said to him, "Is there not a woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people that you must go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?" But Samson said to his father, "Get her for me, for she is right in my eyes."
~Judges 16:3

Why did Samson not listen to the counsel of his parents? Because.... well just 'cause. He wanted it: he got it. The end result his wife was a snare to him and he lost her. Now both these stories were within God's providence and he used it for good, but these men's choices had affects on the rest their lives.

If you are on a mountain hike through dangerous and treacherous passes, would you want the advice of beginners like you? Or, those who already have tread the path? I think I would go to the crazy, experienced, old coots over those who have no idea what they're doing and are just pooling their ignorance. Why do we forsake the companionship of those who are experienced and have already trod the paths we are going through? And do not tell me they can't relate to you. They were once teenagers in the exact spot you were with the same temptations you faced. Go ask them what they did and what they would have done differently with their life.

I'm not just talking about old people talking and investing in young people. I'm also telling you young people, to go to the even younger people. We will most likely always have someone older that we can go to and ask for advice, and someone younger that we will pass wisdom down to. If you are a Christian, find other Christians to talk to about Christ and his saving redeeming work in your life.

It took me until this past year to figure out this. It started when I heard someone at a conference talking about churches having many separate ministries to relate to very specific people, because they thought they could only relate to that person if they had similar interests and/or where in the same stage of life. He was talking about how even if he had no way he could relate to another Christian, they still had this in common: Christ had saved both of them. Are you a sinner? So, am I. Let's talk about grace.

"For I decided to know nothing among you except Christ and him crucified."
~1 Corinthians 2:2</sup>

Not Everyone Is Called the Same

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of Spirit for the common good... All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills."
~1 Corinthians 12:4-7,11

Several months ago someone asked me to do a service for my church that I am physically unable to do. I would have loved to do it, but it was not within my ability. I was really disappointed about not being able to do it. However, the Lord used the above verse and some encouragement from my pastor to show me that I need to press on in the areas that the Lord has gifted me in.

You are never to stop being faithful where the Lord puts you. If the Lord has given you a gift, then use it. Don't waste it and spend your time moaning about how you can't do something. If you are gifted in an area, then work within the area that the Lord has appointed you. You are part of one body, the church, and in order for the body to work it must have all of its parts functioning (vs. 18-20).

A Little Gardening in the Midst of Winter

"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth."
~1 Corinthians 3:6

Have you ever planted a tree, flower, or other type of plant? You plant it, you give it the proper dirt, you water it, and on and on. However no matter how much care you give it, you can not command it to grow. You can not tell it to sprout forth and bloom. No, its growth is entirely beyond you.

Now the above verse is talking about divisions in the church. However, I am going to take it out of context to point out something very important. Apollos and Paul both worked, but God ultimately gave the growth. We work out our salvation in fear and trembling (Philipians 2:12), but the Holy Spirit that is at work within us gives us growth.

"For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."
~Romans 8:13

It is by the Spirit of God that we put to death the deeds of the body. We are completely dependent on his work. Does that mean mean that we just kick back and watch the Spirit do his thing? No! We need to plant and cultivate heart attitudes that glorify God and exemplify righteousness.

We have been saved through grace by faith. However it is not our own doing. Therefore we cannot boast, because it is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8,9). Just the same, we work, but we cannot take the credit. The growth is from God.

"Therefore my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence, but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works within you, both to will and work for his good pleasure."
~Philipians 2:12,13