Reflection, Maturity

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15).

— Jerry Wesol

Autumn is a season of reflection, maturity, and harvest. In the autumn of nature, the air grows crisp, the leaves turn golden, and the world seems to pause in a moment of beauty before the quiet of winter. In the spiritual journey of the Christian, there is a parallel season — a time when the New Creature, begotten of the holy Spirit, enters its own autumn. This is not a season marked by decline as in nature, but by the ripening of spiritual fruit, the deepening of a settled faith, and the preparation for the final transformation into the fullness of the new creation — a spiritual birth.

The Nature of the New Creature

As described in the scriptures, the New Creature is not subject to the laws of the flesh nor the inevitable aging process that marks our physical existence. Equating the New Creature with our fleshly nature would suggest that it, too, could become corrupt or face demise. Instead, the New Creature is spirit begotten. It begins in an embryonic phase, then is nurtured by the Word of God and tempered by the experiences our LORD provides, while it is tabernacled in its fleshly host.

As the New Creature matures, it grows ready for a spirit birth, which follows the death of the old, fallen nature. Yet, until that final release, the New Creature and the old nature remain inseparable, resulting in the ongoing warfare between the flesh and spirit. The changes and weaknesses of the flesh inevitably influence the New Creature, reminding us that while the spirit is willing, the flesh is often weak.

Our Lord Jesus was so aware of the weakness and desires of the flesh that he was constantly in prayer to the Heavenly Father. He always sought to keep his mind focused on his mission and look heavenward for guidance. Likewise, the consecrated New Creature, tabernacled in fallen flesh, should follow our Lord Jesus’ example, knowing that our Adversary will try to take advantage of us, causing us to stumble, shame the ministry, and spot our wedding garments.

Defining the Autumn of the New Creation

The focus here is on the advanced stage of human life and the mature state of the New Creature. What does it mean to enter the autumn of spiritual development? Unlike the physical world, where autumn is visible in the changing leaves and cooling air, spiritual autumn is not discernible by its outward appearance. The Apostle Paul’s counsel to Timothy is instructive: “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young but be an example for other believers in your speech, behavior, love, faithfulness, and purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). The Apostle Paul recognized that spiritual maturity is not bound by physical age.

In our own time, many come to consecration early, surrounding themselves with seasoned new creatures who serve as examples of faith, kindness, and love. This nurturing environment fosters rapid spiritual growth, enabling some to reach the “fourth quarter” of love early in their walk. These are the ones who have put on the whole armor of God and can stand firm in times of testing (Ephesians 6:13).

The Finite Nature of Earthly Life

As the New Creature enters the autumn of physical life, there is a growing awareness of the finite nature of time on earth. The Psalmist’s prayer becomes ever more poignant: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).

Each day is counted as a blessing, a privilege, and an opportunity to serve. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment: “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11). Physical limitations become more apparent in the autumn of life. Tasks that were once effortless now require pause and consideration. The loss of loved ones — parents, siblings, spouses, friends — becomes a common experience. Many who inspired us in our Christian Walk have finished their courses and have passed beyond. These losses, while painful, also serve as reminders of the brevity of life and the importance of making each moment count in serving the Lord and the brethren.

Engagement in the Lord’s Service

The autumn of the New Creature is not a time for withdrawal, but for renewed engagement in the Lord’s service. Jesus’ words ring with urgency: “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4). The autumn of our spiritual life is the season to be fervent in spirit, seeking opportunities to spread the good news and to serve others. Pursuing earthly success or the hope of a leisurely retirement is not the goal; rather, the focus is on building treasure in heaven and putting the old nature to death daily.

Reflection becomes essential. With time growing short, the question arises: Are we serving God or mammon? (Matthew 6:24). This is not a question to be answered lightly or only once, but a question to revisit continually. King David wrote Psalm 51 after his grievous sin with Bathsheba in his mid-to-late fifties. His heartfelt plea for forgiveness and cleansing from “secret faults” (Psalm 19:12) serves as a model for all who seek to purge the leaven of sin from their hearts and to grow in grace.

Laying Aside Every Weight

The Apostle Paul, in writing to the Hebrews, reminds us of the great faith of the “Ancient Worthies,” and he urges us to lay aside every weight and sin that hinders our commitment to God’s will. Our Lord Jesus cast all his cares on the LORD and ran with endurance the race set before him (Hebrews 12:1-2). Likewise, we are called to study the Word of God daily, to become like-minded with Christ, and to demonstrate our understanding of our LORD’s will through our actions. Daily seeking to honor our Heavenly Father in thought, word, and deed.

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (Psalm 37:4). This delight is more than trust. It is centering our affections on God. The heart that continually seeks divine direction is always in a prayerful attitude, open to the leading of the Spirit. Our desires, if in harmony with God’s plan, will be fulfilled in His time and way.

Trust and Example in the Autumn Season

The New Creature in autumn has learned to trust that the Lord is with them in every experience. The desire is to do good to all, to be an example in word, conversation, love, spirit, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12). As ambassadors for the Kingdom of Heaven and prospective members of the Royal Priesthood, mature believers are called to shine as lights in the world. Jesus said, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good … for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh” (Luke 6:45).

Our words and actions testify daily, either for or against us. If our speech is slanderous, it reveals the true condition of our hearts. Whatever is stored in the mind will inevitably be spoken. Those who dwell on what is true, lovely, and good will speak accordingly, building up others and glorifying God.

The Purpose of Earthly Experience

The ultimate purpose of our earthly experience is to develop the New Creature so thoroughly that it can exist at the spiritual, divine level when the old nature dies. God’s purpose is to develop a priesthood whose members are taken from among mankind. These will gain the victory over their fallen fleshly desires and will therefore be prepared to help mankind overcome their faults; all those seeking perfection and atonement with our Heavenly Father.

The primary task of the spirit-begotten New Creature is to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit — love, knowledge, wisdom, patience, and above all, faith. This involves purging malice, envy, and strife, and developing brotherly love. We are called to help our brethren and neighbors, but always to look heavenward for guidance. God knows what we need so that we will be fit and made ready for His Kingdom.

God gives grace to the humble and resists the proud (James 4:6). Sometimes, our desires for usefulness or recognition may not be fulfilled because our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us. We are to rest content in His providence, diligent and watchful, yet patient and willing to wait for His timing. As the poet Milton wrote, “They also serve who only stand and wait.” In God’s own hour, He will lead us forth to fulfill His purposes of grace.

Faith and Works: The Ongoing Journey

James reminds us, “Shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works” (James 2:18). The autumn of the New Creation is not a time to rest on past achievements, but to continue in the narrow way, filling up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ and dying daily to the flesh. In a phrase, the goal is to “Aspire to Inspire before we Expire,” leaving a legacy of faith, love, and service for those who follow.

Practical Reflections for the Autumn Season

● Embrace Limitations with Grace. Physical decline is inevitable, but it can be met with gratitude for what remains and a focus on what truly matters — spiritual growth in love and service. Let us grow old gracefully.
● Reflect and Reassess. Regularly examine your heart and motives. Are we serving God or mammon? Are there “secret faults” that need to be confessed and cleansed?
● Stay Engaged. Use your talents, however limited, in the Lord’s service. There is no retirement in the life of the spirit-begotten. Every season offers opportunities to glorify God.
● Cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit. Focus on love, patience, kindness, and faith. These are the marks of maturity and the evidence of the holy Spirit’s work within.
● Trust God’s Timing. Be content with where God has placed us. He knows what is best and will use us according to His purpose.
● Be an Example. Let your words and actions reflect the goodness of your heart and acquiescence to God’s will, inspiring others seeking the Lord, or struggling in the narrow way.

Conclusion: The Harvest of the New Creation

The autumn of the New Creation is a season of rich harvest. It is a time to gather the fruit of a life lived in faith, reflect on the journey, and prepare for the final transformation that awaits. The autumn of the New Creation is not a season of decline but fulfillment — a time when the New Creature, matured and refined, is ready for the spirit birth that follows the death of the old nature.

May we, as members of the New Creation, embrace the autumn of our spiritual lives with gratitude, diligence, and hope. Let us aspire to inspire, to serve faithfully, and to trust that the Lord, who began a good work in us, will bring it to completion in His perfect time.