Five Ways God Helps Us Grow

I’m reading a book right now entitled, “Not Too Old, ”by David Faust. It’s subtitled “Turning Your Later Years Into Greater Years.” I would recommend it to any senior saint.

In his chapter on pursuing maturity as an older adult, Faust wrote, “Someone summed up senior adulthood by saying, “In your sixties, it’s ‘go, go, go.’ In your seventies it’s ‘slow, slow, slow.’ In your eighties it’s no, no, no!”

Faust, however, offered this alternative. “In every season of life, your faith can ‘grow, grow, grow.’ You’re never too old to deepen your faith and develop a stronger relationship with God.”

Faust suggests “Five Ways God Helps Us Grow.” If younger readers haven’t quit reading yet, these suggestions are good for any age.

#1 We Grow When We Stretch.

The YMCA where Norma Jean and I are members offers stretching classes for Senior Citizens. As we get older we’re not as limber as we once were. When I was younger, I could touch my toes. But, not now. Of course, I’m not as physically active, so that contributes to my lack of elasticity as well.

Spiritually, it’s easy to get into a comfort zone. To become complacent. Even lazy. To fall into habits where we’re not challenged. To become spiritually inflexible. Regardless of our age, we must “make every effort” to grow our faith (2 Pet. 1:5).

“Old dogs can learn new tricks!” We can break free of our comfort zone, stretch our faith, and explore exciting adventures in serving God. Today, there are new means, methods and opportunities where we can learn, aid our growth, and expand our influence and outreach, if we will embrace them.

#2 We Grow When We Study.

We never grow too old, or too smart to read the Bible. To study. To mediate. To think and reflect on the Word. We need to continue stir up our minds to be reminded of God’s will for our lives (2 Pet. 1:12-13).

If you’ve fallen out of the habit of regular Bible reading and devotional time, begin again. Start now. Remember that while the outward body may be declining and perishing, the inward man can be renewed day by day (2 Cor. 4:16-18).

#3 We Grow When We Serve.

While we may not have the same level of energy for ministry we possessed in younger years, we can still find ways to serve. To encourage others. To use whatever gifts, talents, and abilities we have to build up the Body of Christ.

It’s easy as we become older to become “spectators”, instead of “players” or “participants.” While your role may change in your senior years, there is place for you to serve in the Kingdom. The Psalmist offers this encouragement to older Christians.

Those who are planted in the house of the Lord
Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
They shall still bear fruit in old age;
They shall be fresh and flourishing,
–Ps. 92:13-14

#4 We Grow When We Sacrifice.

Age ought to bring the maturity that understands the value of self-sacrifice. Selfishness is a sign of spiritual immaturity. The Bible says, “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Heb 13:16).

Many people look forward to retirement from their jobs, so they can enjoy the freedom to enjoy life more and find the time for pleasurable activities. Sadly, some Christians retire from the Lord’s work. We need to remember we are still to be good stewards of our time, talent, and treasure.

In fact, our later years may be greater years in terms of the time we have to give, and the extra resources we’ve accumulated to help others. Sacrificial service will spur your spiritual growth.

#5 We Grow When We Struggle.

Sickness, suffering, and hardship doesn’t sound like something to look forward to. Yet, we’ve all known people whose later years were a struggle, but their faith in God, and their joyful spirit served as an encouraging example to other Christians.

We can use adversity to make us stronger. Regarding his thorn in the flesh Paul wrote, “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:9-10)

What about you, my friend, are you still growing? If not, why not?

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman