Introduction
Everyone I know hates getting older. “It’s not for the faint-hearted”, “I hurt all the time”, “I can’t remember things”, “I can’t do what I used to do”, “all my friends are dying”, etc. are among many of the objections I hear. But, what does God say about getting older? Let’s see.
Honor the Elderly
The Western world fails miserably in this arena. Many Eastern countries have large families. The children can take care of their parents in their older years. Even ancestor worship is permitted (not recommended) in some countries. What a contrast to cultures in the West where euthanasia of the elderly is often considered. The knowledge and skills of the elderly are not recognized or properly utilized. The West primarily thinks that the elderly are feeble, get in the way of progress, are stuck in the “old days” and, are costing us a lot of money. Biblical standards are not followed.
Thoughts on Aging (from, click here)
- Age is a gift, not a burden
With Age comes wisdom and experience. The Bible tells us that but we need only look at our personal growth to realize that. Have we not often said, “I wish I knew what I know now when I was younger”? Many have not walked the path of a Christian nor have they walked as long as some of us have. This is important. However, in every circumstance, regardless of your walk, you can not have experience without age.
“You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:32)
- It’s never too late to make a difference
One of the most common misconceptions about aging is that it signifies the end of productivity or the ability to make a significant impact. The Bible, however, begs to differ.
“Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity.” (1 Timothy 5:1,2) ESV
“But as for you (those older), teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and steadfast. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their husbands, so that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” Titus 2:1 – 8) ESV
- Age offers long-lasting companionship
The Bible teaches us through these examples that old age is an excellent time to cherish long-lasting relationships and create shared memories. It reinforces the idea that companionship can bring joy, comfort, and fulfillment, especially in our later years.
“Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” (Proverbs 23:22) ESV
- With age comes wisdom
Job encapsulates the idea that with age comes experience, and with experience comes wisdom.
“Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.” (Job 12:12) ESV
- Age is a testament to God’s faithfulness
Many verses in the Bible remind us that every day we live is a gift from God. It’s not about how old we are but about how many opportunities God has given us to grow, learn, and serve others.
“Even to your old age I will be the same until you are gray I will carry you. I have done it; I will bear you; I will carry you; I will deliver you.” (Isiah 46:4) TLV
- Age is an opportunity to embrace a legacy of faithful
Embracing old age means living a life that will leave a positive impact on those who come after us. It’s about passing on a legacy of faith and love, a tradition that will continue long after we’re gone.
Consider the story of Abraham. Even in his old age, Abraham’s faith never wavered. He left a legacy of unwavering trust in God that has been an inspiration for countless generations.
“With long life, I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Psalms 91:16) ESV
- Age enables you to understand the value of time
The Bible teaches us to value our time and use it wisely. As we age, this lesson becomes increasingly important. Each day is a gift, an opportunity for growth and learning. Embracing old age means cherishing these moments and making the most out of the time we have been given.
“So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” (Psalms 90:12) ESV
- Age is not a barrier to God’s call
“They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green…” (Psalms 92:14) ESV
Remember Moses did not start his ministry until he was 80 and set out to “set the captives free”. And, look at what Caleb requested as an inheritance after the promised land had been reached.
“And now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the LORD spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming. So now give me this hill country of which the LORD spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the LORD said.” Then Joshua blessed him, and he gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance.” (Joshua 14: 10 – 13) ESV
- God’s love remains constant throughout age.
Divine love and care can be a source of comfort and reassurance as we navigate the golden years of our lives. Knowing that we are cherished by God can help us embrace each stage of life with grace, courage, and joy.
“Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalms 136:26) ESV
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17) ESV
- Age should be embraced with grace
Age is a universal journey. We all get older as time passes. While our physical strength may wane our Spiritual strength can soar.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16) ESV
Three Stages of Christianity
My life has shown me that there are three stages in the life of being a Christian. Not everyone has gone through all these stages. Many still think, and unknowingly so, that they have to work out their Salvation. Their ability to “Stand and let God”, is beyond their grasp.
Here they are.
Stage One
Stage one begins at Salvation. The knowledge of sins forgiven, going to Heaven when you die and the fact that you are not alone anymore is overwhelming. That’s all you can think about. Your mind is intoxicated as though you were on drugs. You become light on your feet and feel like jumping over a wall. You can’t help but talk about it. It’s like living Don Francisco’s song when he sings, “Got To Tell Somebody – what Jesus did for me”. The song (Ballad) and lyrics are fantastic and much too long to copy here. Click here to read them.
Stage Two
Stage two comes from an overwhelming sense of gratitude and the need to do something. The Charismatic movement and other Christian movements have misguided us somewhat into thinking that now that we are Christians we need to do something for God. What office has He given you, Evangelist, Pastor, Prophet, etc? What is your gift, Tongues, Healing, Miracles, etc? What do you do with this gift of Salvation? And, of course, it’s not over yet, don’t forget to tithe. None of these things are wrong. They are not sins. But we are not taught that these gifts flow from our relationship. They are not there to strengthen our relationship. You don’t have to do anything but, you will be changed. All ministries, thoughts, words, deeds, etc. come from that relationship. You do not do them. God does them through your relationship. Some non-Christians have feared that if they become Christians God will tell them to do something we don’t want to do. Like, become a missionary or have to knock on doors and evangelize and, we will become like other dorks being weak, ignorant, and blind.
Stage Three
Some people don’t reach stage three. It comes from strong discipleship and having a strong relationship. Stage two overwhelms many and they cannot see the true nature of Christ. At stage three you fully realize that you are not your own. You finally realize that whatever condition you are in: good health, bad health, poor, family problems, and all worldly adversities are but tools in the hands of a mighty God to bring you closer to Him. Our sins were taken care of on the cross. Now we must turn our natural life into a spiritual life. Nothing matters but our relationship to Him. Not health, not family, not arguments, not past, present, or future. Only Him. Only in this stage can we submit to our current condition accept it and, rejoice in a relationship with He who created us.
“At age 20, we worry about what others think of us. At age 40, we don’t care what they think of us. At age 60, we discover they haven’t been thinking of us at all.” Ann Landers (1918-2002)
Dwell on Good Things
We all know this Scripture in Philippians.
“So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always.” (Philippians 4:8) TPT
How do you do that with so many bad, evil, satanic things that happen in our lives? Here are examples of good things from my life that are enough to last me to the end. I do not dwell, ever, on the bad. I’m sure you have many memories also. Seek them out, enjoy them, and, be strengthened.
My Childhood
I have many memories of growing up in the Adirondacks in upstate New York and enjoying its majestic mountains. I camped among its pine trees, swam its cold waters, bundled up in its cold cold winters, and smelled the warm pine needles of summer heat.
Traveling
Not everyone has had the opportunity to travel. If you ever do get the chance do so. Let your children travel. It will change their lives. In the 60’s I traveled through Europe, England and Ireland. Mostly by bicycle, train, and hitchhiking. I slept in train stations, on parked trains, in parks, on the side of the road, in thatched roofed homes with dirt floors, and, in feathered beds. I climbed the “Crow Patrick” mountain in Ireland and watched the Benediction monks procession through the hills of Montserrat Spain singing vespers. I shook the hand of a 400 + year old Nun in an old crypt under a Church in Dublin, for good luck. I spent almost a week in Saint Peter Basilica meandering through its nooks and crannies, catacombs, archives, and treasure troves. I slept in many convents, churches, youth hostels, sailing ships, and castles. Some lodgings were free, some cost 0.15 cents for a mattress thrown on the floor of a dusty room with strangers doing likewise. I have many good memories of this time.
My Wife
I have been married for over 57 years to a wonderful partner God gave me. Those who know our entire history know that she is God-given. We went to college together and, stalked the high peak mountains of the Adirondacks together. Fished and swam its streams, climbed its mountains, and laughed enjoying life just being together. Here is a little-known secret. I’ve had very few “girlfriends” but when I found my wife-to-be, I stopped looking. I was a virgin when I met her. We’ve been married many years and I have always been faithful to this day. I have never known another woman. Life with my wife is a wonderful gift I dwell upon often.
My Faith
I have always known Jesus and was raised a strict Catholic. But a day came along as I grew older that I will never forget. I abandoned my old ways for a new one. Everything changed. My life became much more intense. I understood much more. Became extroverted and, learned what love meant. This Salvation I received became the greatest gift of my life. Here and there I have many stories and memories to dwell upon.
The Future
Many want to know what the future brings. All I can say is, I’m ready. I know where I’m going. I just don’t know everything I’ll be doing, when, or how it will be done. However, instead of lamenting, I look at it as an adventure in traveling as I did above in my travels throughout Europe, only this time my travel is through time and the end of life as I know it. I often say to myself, “Well I haven’t been there yet. Let’s see what it’s like.”
“Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” Betty Friedan (1921-2006)
My Reward is Coming
Don’t know what it will be like but, that’s part of the adventure. The Bible speaks of the many crowns the faithfully departed will receive. Hope I get one at least but, crossing that finish line will be my greatest reward. Only then I can say, as Christ did on the Cross, “it is finished”.
Famous Quotations on Getting Old We Should Remember
“He who is of a calm and happy nature will hardly feel the pressure of age, but to him who is of an opposite disposition, youth and age are equally a burden.”Plato (427-346 BC.)
This wise observation from Plato… who observed that the most discontented younger adults were the ones most likely to experience the so-called “midlife crisis” in their 40s. Although personality change is possible at any time throughout life, people high on the trait of neuroticism seem to have disadvantages in adapting to the challenges of midlife and beyond. (Psychology Today)
“The wiser mind mourns less for what age takes away than what it leaves behind.” William Wordsworth (1770-1850)
Conclusion
I know some of you know things about me that others do not. Things that may not have been so glorious. I cannot dwell on them. There is no redemptive value to dwelling on them except to say that I have been taught many valuable lessons by my heavenly Father that I will never forget, nor should I. I just don’t dwell on them. As I write this I am an Octogenarian plus 2. As of 2024, the number of people who live to be 80 to 84 years old is 1.89%. My future holds many glorious things I cannot even imagine. I have turned the corner. I see the finish line. That great crowd of witnesses mentioned in Hebrews 11 is cheering. I am going to make it. I have the glorious gift of age.
Enough Said.
“Your words were found, so I ate them. Your words were a delight to me and the joy of my heart. For I am called by Your Name, Adonai-Elohei-Tzva’ot.” (Lord God of Heaven’s Army – TLV)
