I am 56 years old.
I am wondering how many of us are in a mid-life crisis and realizing how far we have fallen short, in terms of lamenting our progress toward pursuing spiritual goals, and falling short of reaching the image of the LORD?
I am reading a book by Paul Tripp in this regard. It is called Lost in the Middle.
I would enthusiastically recommend reading it. However, I'm looking for other resources regarding those in a mid-life crisis, where you have realized how far you have fallen short of your spiritual aspirations.
With regards to those who are younger than 40, I would ask that you refrain from responding to this thread. You likely aren't old enough yet to know what it means to fall short of the desire to please the LORD. You are likely still deceiving yourself into believing you will accomplish your goals in this regard in the future. I won't have much patience for your youthful preaching and contempt.
I would ask those who are over 40 to respond, and not those under 40. For those over forty, i would encourage your input in terms of materials and sermons regarding this topic, and your thoughts on your experiences with growing older as a believer.
I’ve been sitting on something that Holy Spirit gave me in picture form, and was wondering who and where to give this to. 😉
Am well over 40.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Most discussions about these scriptures are found in the not by works thread, and that is where I spend most of my time when here in the forums. Was just reading when the word “workmanship” stood out to me. And I began to write a post about the word but was stopped. I knew it wasn’t the right timing but didn’t know why.
On thinking about the word, I questioned the meaning but in reasoning through what I know from the word, I thought this meant the new creation man. And it does but the Lord had more to show me.
Workmanship:
G4161
ποίημα
poiēma
poy'-ay-mah
From G4160; a product, that is, fabric (literally or figuratively): - thing that is made, workmanship.
Thing that is made...stands out.
I get a lot of revelation during the night, and this picture came to mind of the carpenter with a huge piece of wood, chipping away with a chisel at what was clearly seen to be the image of a person. And what the carpenter was after was the image on the inside of the wood.
He was taking His time. Clearly wasn’t in a hurry. Was about revealing what He saw on the inside. We are perfect in our Spirit if we are born again.
Wood is symbolic of man. Earth, earthy. Our outer image.
So we needn’t feel shame or regret about failures. We are His work. I also heard a message last night that was prophetic, that our failures etc. were like stepping stones to understanding our great need for Him.
And what can anyone add as a work to the Carpenters skill? None.