Aging – How old is old?

Note from the Pastor…

Many years ago, I was sharing a message from the pulpit, and I made a comment about “old people.” I don’t remember the context, but I do remember one woman meeting me at the back door and sternly looking at me and asking, “how old is old.” I quickly answered, “at least 100 years old”! She smiled back, “good answer.” In our politically correct world today – we don’t usually call anyone “old.” We use terms like “senior citizen,” or “geriatric.” As a pastor, when addressing church crowds – I usually use the term “seasoned saints!” When Alana and I became grandparents recently, we had to pick out a grandparent name. Alana’s grandmother was simply called, “granny.” Alana didn’t think that was a good choice – so now, she is to be known as the young sounding “Nana Lana” by Emmy Jo when she is old enough to talk.

 The Bible presents growing old as a normal, natural part of life in this world. There is honor involved in the aging process, because growing old is normally accompanied by increased wisdom and experience. “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life” (Proverbs 16:31). Many today comment that the “golden years” are not all that “golden” due to health problems and other struggles. Yet, growing older also means grandchildren and even great-grandchildren – which the bible says are a crown of honor, a spiritual heritage and a reward. Growing older means more time to serve the Lord, more time to praise His Name, and more time to pour into future generations!

 Sadly, our culture no longer seems to value a godly respect for our elders that the Bible teaches – and surely society suffers greatly for casting aside so much life experience and wisdom to the wayside. Yet, it is not the respect of those around me that we should desire most. Rather, each of us should desire to hear the sweetest words that will ever be spoken by our Lord as servants of God, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord,” (Matthew 25:21).

Pastor Chris