Worship PM • July 11, 2021
Growing Old in Christ
Introduction
Genesis 5:27
27 And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died.
It doesn’t do much good to fight the onslaught of old age.
The only alternative to growing old is to die young, and most of us do not prefer that.
Some Bible characters lived many years, and Methuselah is said to have lived 969 years (Genesis 5:27).
There may be more we want to know about that, but that is just about all we know about him and his ways.
No, most of us would not want to live that long,
by the writing of Psalms 90:10, things had averaged out to about “threescore years and ten,” or 70 years, closer to modern averages.
The question is not “if” we are going to die, but “how” we are going to live, and how we are going to die.
Psalm 90:10 KJV 1900
10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; And if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, Yet is their strength labour and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
Hebrews 9:27 KJV 1900
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Grandpa 95, Grandma 74, Mom 71 Diana’s grandama Duke 97
Will my last years be filled with pain and suffering, or joy and anticipation of the judgment?
To a great degree, it depends upon how you have prepared for them.
Why not ponder these ten “thoughts” about your life, and how your life can be full, providing great anticipation of being with your Lord in eternity!
1. Start now to build good memories for yourself and everyone you know.
There will be tough times, but if you live so that there can be positive memorable events, positive events, you can look forward to them and backwards and enjoy them in your last years.
When years begin to pile up you will be glad you had built those memories.
Again, that will be up to you!
2. Begin now to develop positive attitudes about life.
It will take a lot of self-discipline, but the difference is like that between night and day in your mind.
Negative attitudes produce little joy in growing old.
Start “yesterday”, and be ready for those years. They can be the best of all!
3. Remember, the alternative to growing old is “dying young.”
Remembering that, might make the minor aches and pains less of a distraction.
4. Look for good qualities in all your friends & family.
It may surprise you how a positive attitude can make a difference, for you and for those around you. Be positive!
5. Help to alleviate the pain and anxiety you see in others.
Helping others in their trouble takes some of the sting out of yours.
6. Instead of reducing your time with your brothers and sisters, do just the opposite.
Forget your troubles and allow those of “like precious faith” to give you a lift (2 Peter 1:1).
7. Don’t be shocked when others disagree with you on important issues.
Be wise enough to consider their thoughts,
Find out what the Bible says,
Then talk to them again, with full assurance, yet with “meekness and fear”
1 Peter 3:15 KJV 1900
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Ephesians 4:2 KJV 1900
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
8. If [your] Bible discussions become heated, turn the temperature down.
Ephesians 4:2 KJV 1900
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
9. When the discussion comes to the family’s possessions, put more value on the family than the possessions.
10. Allow others to tell you about their aches and pains, but fight the temptation to tell everyone else about yours.
True joy is available to those who are good listeners.
Hopefully, by the time your old bones are saying ugly things to you, your family will come to your rescue.
This is one good reason, among others, for following the instruction in the Bible about your children.
Wouldn’t it be worth every “extra effort” you made through the years to
have a home and family filled with love for each other?
The Psalmist said it like this:
Psalm 127:3–5 KJV 1900
3 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: And the fruit of the womb is his reward.
4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; So are children of the youth.
5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: They shall not be ashamed, But they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
I have known many, having reached an advanced age, who discovered that it is a time that can be their most productive, providing their most satisfying times.
It could be for you, too.