Do You Have Seasonal Deception Disorder?
"In the winter, when the trees are bare, they appear dead. Yet, deep within, life is renewing itself, preparing for Spring. Embrace the barren seasons of your life; they are preparing you for new growth." - Thomas Merton.
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." - Matthew 16:24-25
What season are you in?
Every person, and indeed every Christian, is in a particular season. Often, we use the term season as a metaphorical expression to describe a specific phase or period in their life. The term "season" suggests that this period is not permanent and will eventually transition to a new phase, much like the changing seasons in nature. For example:
Some of us are in a season of raising young kids.
Some of us are in a season of singleness.
Some of us are in a season of working long hours.
Some of us are in a season of busyness.
Some of us are in a season of retirement.
We are all in a different season! And like the different seasons of the earth, each season requires a different response.
In Spring, you plant.
In summer, you water.
In fall, you harvest.
In winter, you rest.
Each season requires a different response.
What Should Be Your Response To Your Season?
The seasons of life aren't as straightforward as the seasons of the weather. They are often far more complicated, nuanced, and interdependent on circumstances outside of your control. Therefore, it can be challenging to determine what your response should be to your season.
My question, then, is — what should your response be to your specific season of life?
Should your season of life cause you to step back?
Should your season of life lead you to press in?
Should your season of life motivate you to retreat?
Should your season of you influence you to advance?
These are not easy decisions! Determining your response requires discernment, wisdom, and counsel because life is not simple & straightforward but complicated and complex.
But I also believe there is a danger too.
The Danger Of Deception
Seasons are deceitful.
I live in East TN, where the weather is totally unpredictable. We often say, “If you don't like the weather in Knoxville, don't worry, it will change.”
For example, last week it was 70 degrees in the middle of February. While I love the warmer temperatures, I am also fully aware it could snow next week. Why? Because seasons in East TN are deceitful.
One day, it will feel like winter, and the next, it will feel like Spring.
No matter what the Farmers Almanac says or if the groundhog sees its shadow, no one is really able to predict what each season holds.
I love what Thomas Merton says:
"In the winter, when the trees are bare, they appear dead. Yet, deep within, life is renewing itself, preparing for Spring. Embrace the barren seasons of your life; they are preparing you for new growth." - Thomas Merton
Do you see it? The seasonal deception.
The Seasonal Deception Disorder
I believe many of us have “seasonal deception disorder.” Meaning we allow our season to determine how much of our lives Jesus is calling us to surrender to Him. Mainly, many of us are easily deceived into thinking two things when it comes to our relationship with Jesus. The two lies we believe:
This season of life requires less surrender to Jesus.
The following season of life will be easier
Because I have young kids — I need to step back from Sundays. But one day…
Because I'm single — I need to focus on myself, not others. But one day…
Because I work long hours, I need to be less involved with my church. But one day…
Because I'm busy — I need to pour out my life less. But one day…
Because I am entering retirement — I need to sacrifice less. But one day…
We are deceived into thinking that this season of my life requires less surrender to Jesus & his church. But one life will slow down, the kids will grow up, we won't have to work as hard, and then we can deeply surrender to Jesus.
It's a seasonal deception disorder that most Christians have.
What Does Surrender Require of Me?
The lie is built upon this false premise: My season dictates my surrender.
But is that true? Is that what Jesus is calling people to? Is that modeled in the New Testament? Do we see the disciples of Jesus stepping back for a season? I believe the answer is a resounding — NO.
In fact, one of the major themes in the New Testament is the idea of constantly gaining by losing. For example, Jesus says:
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." - Matthew 16:24-25
Do you see the surrender Jesus is calling his disciples to? And losing your life isn't dependent upon your particular season of life.
Here's what I believe: No matter what season of life you are in — now is the season of surrender.
If you have young kids — now is the season for deeper surrender.
If you are single —now is the season for deeper surrender.
If you work long hours — now is the season for deeper surrender.
If you are busy — now is the season for deeper surrender.
If you are entering retirement — now is the season for deeper surrender.
Sure, surrender looks different for everyone! But if you find yourself stepping back from intensely following Jesus because of your season of life, then I believe you need to hear this truth that the Holy Spirit is stamping on my life:
No matter what season of life you are in, Jesus is not calling you to LESS surrender.
Christians — now (and always) is your season of surrender.
For The Local Church 📍
Landon Reynolds