Topic: GROWING OLD GOD’S WAY – By Dr. Jeff Schreve – From His Heart 17 June 2022
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GROWING OLD GOD’S WAY
“They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green, to declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”
Psalm 92:14-15
Two elderly gentlemen named Frank and Jim were sitting on a park bench under a tree.
Frank: “You know, Jim, I’m 85 years old, and I’m just full of aches and pains. You’re about my age. How do you feel?”
Jim: “I feel just like a newborn baby.”
Frank: “Really!? Like a new-born baby!?”
Jim: “Yep. No hair, no teeth… and I think I just wet my pants.”
Let’s call a spade a spade: Growing old is not for the faint of heart. It is tough work. Our bodies start to fall apart somewhere along the line of the aging process. Things quit working like they once did. Eyesight and hearing start to wane. Muscles start to atrophy. Tasks as simple as bending over to tie your shoes can become monumental endeavors. It is just hard to get old.
THERE IS A WARNING
Have you ever encountered some cranky, cantankerous older people? They are not fun to deal with, to say the least. They are always griping and complaining about something. Why are some people like this when they get old? It is because of something I like to call The Law of Becoming.
What is The Law of Becoming? What you are today, you will be even more so in the future. Cranky older people were cranky younger people. They were just better at concealing it when they were younger. But, when you add age to the mix, the filter is removed … and out comes a mean, ugly, sour disposition. Obviously, that is not God’s way to grow old.
Remember, we reap what we sow. Wise is the one who considers in his or her youth what seeds are being planted. That is one of the reasons the Lord tells us to always give thanks in all things, and never give in to the temptation to gripe and complain. Grateful, thankful Christians give a powerful witness to this world – (see Phil. 2:14-15).
THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY
Older people often think usefulness in life has passed them by. But that is not true. God still has a plan, regardless of the great number of candles on one’s cake. God wants to fill an older person’s life with His love and grace. God wants to use that person to be a witness, even in old age. What a testimony older Christians can have as they radiate the sweetness of Jesus, no matter what they may be facing, and declare to all they encounter that God is still good, and He truly does walk with us through every dark valley… all the way to glory.
Are you feeling old today? As a Christian, you are one day closer to your great reward. Make every day count until the Lord calls you home. Use the extra time you have on your hands to pray for and encourage others. Push yourself to keep going and keep growing. Embrace technology and use the computer and social media to be a blessing to family and friends. God is not finished with you yet, so don’t quit and don’t stagnate!
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