EXPERIENCE MATTERS!

EXPERIENCE MATTERS!

1 Tim 3:2-6

2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

          The word “novice” in verse 6 is the Greek word neophutos and literally means “newly planted.” New plants are tender and have not weathered the storms and trials of a more mature plant. Their “systems” are not functioning as they eventually will. Their fruitful season is still ahead of them.

          Experience and proficiency are demanded of us. Teens who long for their drivers’ license are tested to assure that they know the rules of the road and have the ability to handle a vehicle. They are frustrated to see the question of experience on employment applications. They are eager for experience but they don’t have much. They quickly learn that experience matters.

          Today, experience and age are dismissed as irrelevant in a world that is rapidly changing. Things no older than yesterday are considered antique. Everything is made of shine and plastic. Even the ministry comes packaged in slick smiles, bright lights and positive affirmation. Pastors grizzled with age and churches weathered by time are often shunned but we instinctively gravitate to experience when we are in trouble. We want our doctors to be not only experienced but experts in their fields of medicine. We don’t want a neophyte cutting into our bodies. When our lives and our homes are falling apart, we want a pastor who is mature. Experience matters.

          Experience is the knowledge and wisdom derived from long practice and observation. If you are newly planted, the first thing you must learn is patience and the next is to pay attention. If you are an aged old sage then find a young one to mentor. Pour yourself into him so that experience comes more quickly because experience matters.

1 Peter 2:2

2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Dear Ancient of Days, thank you for being patient with me while I have grown. Let me pour myself into others that they may become fruitful. AMEN