Skip to main content

Are you getting older?



Don’t ever forget, “ You ARE getting older!”  Strange isn’t it? A simple fact of life- whatever your age. But are you OLD? That’s a different question. Do you feel old?  Most people would associate aches and pains, forgetfulness, lack of energy, or old fashioned attitudes with aging. But it’s so much more. It’s a frame of mind. 

  1. Do you still have a sense of calling?  Have you maintained strong purpose?  Do you still believe God has a plan for you?
  2. Do you have something significant to offer others? Whether your wisdom, experiences, skills, or gifts, others need what you have. That’s the nature of the body of Christ.
  3. Are you willing to take the effort to reach out with the love of Christ?  People may not immediately recognize all that you have to offer. It may take some ingenuity to position yourself for influence. Take it slow. Be faithful with the opportunities given you. Tell your stories, a little at a time. Let people slowly see what a treasure you are. 
  4. Be realistic about your age. 

Psalm 90:10 (NAS): As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years.

These days people may even live longer with modern medicine. You might have a large window ahead, or a relatively short one. Plan accordingly.

  1. Apply wisdom to your plans. 

Psalm 90:12 (NAS): So teach us to number our days,
That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.

If we are realistic about our age we can make wise decisions about opportunities ahead.  
  • How do you intend to take what God has taught you and pass it on?
  • Do you have enough time to get that seminary training or pursue your doctorate?
  • How old are your children or grandchildren?  How much time do you want to spend on them?  How do you intend to pass on what you have learned?  Can you disciple them with all your other demands?

  1. Trust God to confirm your life and ministry. 

Psalm 90:16–17 (NAS): Let Your work appear to Your servants
And Your majesty to their children. 17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands.

God has been at work in significant ways throughout our lives. We need to take the time to acknowledge all that we have seen and give Him the glory. As God’s favor rests upon us, He blesses the work of our hands also. We derive satisfaction from seeing how God has used us. He also receives the honor and glory.

Are you getting older, I hope so. Are you getting old, that depends.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Peace on Earth

In Luke chapter 2 we have the awe-inspiring appearance of an angel to announce the birth of the Messiah. I'm sure you are familiar with this magnificent passage: 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  So, when this magnificent angel appears, the shepherds are terribly frightened.   Once he calms their fears, he shares what is the greatest news the heavens have ever announced to this fallen world. The sinners in this world need a Savior, and now they have one. This is extremely good news.   It is a joyous gospel for all people.     After this wo...
1 comment
Read more

Why Spiritual Disciplines?

  On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness ; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8) For many of us discipline is a dirty word, and we would rather not add any more discipline to our lives.  But think again.  Everything that is of any value to you involves discipline.  Love and marriage, child rearing, even hobbies require discipline.  The Christian life is no different.  If your relationship with God is something you value, then you will want to apply some discipline in it.   And the Apostle Paul, in writing to his young disciple, Timothy, says “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness”. So, what is a spiritual discipline? According to 1 Timothy 4:8 a spiritual discipline is a biblical practice that produces godliness when done regularly.  The bible prescri...
6 comments
Read more

Fear of Man

Throughout the Bible the fear of man is often contrasted with the fear of God .  When it speaks of the fear of God, it is not referring to a sinister dread, but rather an awesome honor and respect. And there are great blessings associated with a proper fear of God… The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10) The fear of the LORD leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil. (Proverbs 19:23) Better is a little with the fear of the LORD Than great treasure and turmoil with it. (Proverbs 15:16)  And Jesus is our perfect example.  In John 8:28-29 Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. “And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” Throughout His earthly life Jesus lived in perfect harmony a...
5 comments
Read more