One of the joys of Christian life over the long haul is the way that we begin to layer our understanding of God in light of new information and experience. Well – perhaps I should qualify that: if we are growing and invested in our discipleship that might be the case.
I’m 43; 27 years or so into following Jesus, 23 or so years in some form of ministry; several geographical locations into doing all of that. And the present joy in the midst are pleasant new rediscoveries.
I say rediscoveries because not all lanes I’ve walked down in pursuit of the novel idea have been fruitful or substantial, but they do play their part when you rest in a rich truth more beautifully illuminated.
Take, for example, repentance. We all know that repentance towards God is necessary but at times difficult and maybe even scary. But years reveal that repentance is also a beautiful gift to be grateful for and entered into without fear because of grace. So, you come to appreciate the gravity and the grace but know that it’s for our healing.
Or, take death as another example. You know that Christ somehow conquers it and yet you know you have to go through it. You theologically know you’ve nothing to fear and yet you fear. Then, perhaps, your horizon expands: you’re kinda middle aged and instead of being solely focussed on you’re present survival, you begin to see life in the context of love and eternity, and so increases your freedom to live fully because nothing needs to be clung to.
New joyful freedoms and new joyful constraints which give everything perspective.
Youth is wasted on the young, but you need to know what life’s container looks like before you know what’s really worth filling it with. Nothing is lost: our earlier formation just gives us a lay of the land. Every new journey reveals something you haven’t seen or loved before. New joys arise.
Andrew S M Clark 