Fall: A Season of Change
When the temperature drops and the leaves burst into an array of colors, I get a pep in my step. Fall conjures up cozy feelings in anticipation of the first fire in the fireplace, roasting marshmallows, and putting out the autumn décor.
Fall also reminds me of my childhood. Boo-koodles of hours spent swinging and singing loudly as I imagined my feet touching the clouds. Climbing trees, raking freshly-fallen pine straw into shapes of make-believe rooms to play house with my friends, and growing my knowledge of all-things-football as I watched games with my dad—such fun! Having an October birthday is also awesome, and our family always took a trip to the mountains around that time.
Though I still love cool, crisp days, mountains trips, and football, they don’t make or break the season for me anymore.
Something’s changed.
If my pumpkins hadn’t made it to the front door steps with my mums, it wouldn’t matter. If I miss a football game, it’s not the end of the world. (Those who’ve known me most of my life probably have their jaw on the floor by now.)
As my relationship with Christ has matured, so have my interests. I’m much more aware of what truly matters in life. As a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ, it’s not about the trivial. It’s about what’s holy—how our lives, our thoughts, and the meditations of our hearts sync up with the deeper things of God.
Reading Scripture excites me to learn more, grow more, and apply more. The Holy Spirit encourages me, convicts me, and teaches me things I’ve not yet seen about God, myself, and others. It’s not about the first pumpkin spice latte of the season or social media posts, or even commentary about the Gamecocks. Life is all about what my heavenly Father desires, and that’s for His children to live a life of worship and to become a more obedient and holy image bearer.
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy (1 Peter 1:14-16, ESV).
I ponder spiritual truth 24/7. I can’t help it. I also find myself drawn to those who want to talk about the things of God, dwell on the things of God, and take the separating of ourselves from the world seriously. And to be quite honest, they’re becoming harder and harder to find these days.
Of course I love to spend time with my family and friends, play games, go for walks, and simply enjoy God’s everyday-blessings. But what absolutely thrills my soul is seeking after God’s own heart, knowing and loving Him as deeply as possible, and having His Word etched on my heart.
My heart.
That’s what’s changed.
As the Psalmist laments, so do I: My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep Your law (Psalm 119:136, ESV). So many people I know who claim to love Jesus are not reflecting the life of holiness He calls us to. They seem content with their worldly reflection instead of separating themselves from the world to portray a more radiant image of Christ to the world. My sincere prayer is for more and more of us to actually live what we claim to be—fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. But without intentionally breaking away from worldly passions and influences, living a transformed life by the power of the Holy Spirit is just pretending.
He [Christ] is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of His nature, (Hebrews 1:3)
Fall is about letting go. The old falls away to reveal Christ more holy, more radiant. Fall is releasing the areas in our lives that are fruitless and hindering our spiritual growth. When we release the dead weight, good, spiritual fruit will emerge for God’s glory and our benefit.
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in Your ways (Psalm 119:37).
As we fall on our knees before a holy God, let’s confess and repent of our sins. Ask Him to remove the cultural, fruitless distractions that blur our vision and hinder our worship of Christ. May all that’s left be a surrendered heart laid bare before the throne of Christ Jesus, our Savior and Lord.
Every day.
Fall.
My Pleasure,
You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11 ESV (capitalizations are mine)