Not Too Old

Today marks my 77th trip around the sun.

It’s remarkable in some ways to realize it, let alone admit it. Yet, the calendar doesn’t lie. Nor do the eyes, the ears, the color of the hair, nor does the hyperpigmentation of the skin, called age spots or liver spots.

There was a time when I thought anyone over 60 was old. Later that thought turned to over 70. Now, I embrace what Bernard M. Baruch once quipped, “To me, an old person is someone 15 years older than I am!”

My reluctance to settle for the “old age” designation might be illustrated in a book, I’m currently reading, “Not Too Old” by David Faust. It’s a wonderful mix of realism woven together with sound advice, funny stories, Biblical principles, and practical ideas.

After dealing with the realities of aging in chapter one, Faust offers this insight in chapter two. “You are not too old to turn your later years into greater years! Here are eight reasons this is true.” With some adaptation and alteration, this is my birthday gift to you today.

#1 I’m not too old to be useful.

The Bible reveals various individuals who God used even though they were up in years. Abraham and Sarah gave birth to Isaac at 100 and 90 years old. But more in line with today’s ages, Moses was 80 and Aaron 83 when they led Israel out of Egypt. Joshua was close to 80 when he conquered Canaan. And Caleb was 85 when he eagerly said, “Give me this mountain” to claim for his family inheritance in Canaan.

Since I resigned from full time local work 7 years ago we’ve kept active. We have visited 40+ states (actually all 50 in our lifetime) plus about 10 countries. In addition to writing and blogging, I preached almost every Sunday somewhere. We’ve been to over 60 congregations. Lord willing, we’re looking forward to continue useful ministry.

#2 I’m not too old to be cheerful.

I share the sentiment of the old fellow who prayed, “Lord, keep me from being a crotchety old man.” The Bible encourages a cheerful disposition. “Be joyful always,” Paul admonished (1 Thess. 5:16). The wise man connects good health with a joyful heart (Prov. 17:22). Even in trials, James says we can find joy in serving God (Jas. 1:2).

#3 I’m not too old to be thankful.

The command “give thanks in all circumstances” knows no age limit. As we grow older, it’s a good time to thank God for a life time of blessings. Focus on what you have, not on what you wished you had. Put away bitterness. And take time to count your blessings. One by one.

#4 I’m not too old to be prayerful.

“Always pray and not give up” (Lk. 18:1), Jesus admonished. As senior saints this a good time to deepen our relationship with God, grow in our petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving ((1 Tim. 2:1-2).

#5 I’m not too old to be careful.

I once thought that older preachers and Christians had less temptations than younger folks. I’ve since learned that Satan doesn’t let up just because we’re older. He still ‘prowls like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8).

I don’t want to be that foolish old man who throws away his inheritance for some passing pleasure or fleeting fancy.

#6 I’m not too old to be fruitful.

I have a good friend, Olie Williamson, in Cosby, Tennessee, who’s still preaching, teaching and writing a weekly newspaper column at age 92. In fact, he still shoots a low golf score.

The Bible says, They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing” (Ps. 92:14). I want to be fruitful and flourishing.

#7 I’m not too old to be hopeful.

As I grow older, I want to hold on tighter to “hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Heb. 6:19). Growing older ought to produce greater and deeper hope.

The story is old a man who saw the late C. R. Nichol walking down the street and greeting him saying, “I see you’re still in the land of the living.” Without missing a beat brother Nichol shot back, “No. I’m in the land of the dying. But I hope to go the land of the living.”

#8 I’m not too old to be faithful.

Age, physical appearance, or bodily strength should not alter or diminish our faithfulness to the Lord. It’s so sad to see older folks who served the Lord all their lives, then quit in their later years.

I want to be steadfast, immovable, and faithful unto death (1 Cor. 15:58; Rev. 2:10).

These affirmations will work for you and help you grow spiritually, no matter your age. In fact, as Teddy Roosevelt once said, “Old age is like everything else, to make a success of it, you’ve got to start young.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

(Hmm, maybe I should translate “old age” advice in a weekly column. What do you think?)