Each morning I wake up and begin the process of stretching out the stiff muscles and tendons to the rhythm of bones and joints cracking as they reset for another day of activity. As I make my way to the mirror in our bathroom, I discover more grey hair, another reminder that I’m getting older.
The aging process isn’t for the faint of heart as we reflect upon all the things we use to do that required agility, strength, and flexibility that abound with a younger body.
The venerable alumnus of baseball Satchel Paige said, “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?” An honest answer to that question depends on an honest admission of one’s attitude. It has nothing to do with one’s age.
As the year’s pass by I’m more convinced that our major battle in life is not with the aging process but with choosing the right attitude and character to glorify our Lord. Rather than focus on aches and pains, bitterness and apathy, regrets and loss we can choose each morning to develop an attitude of thanksgiving and grace.
God’s desire is for us to mature as wise and committed leaders to help transform a broken world with the spiritual gifts, talents, and experience He has given us. No matter how old we are, our goals is to become more like Christ.
My good friend and mentor Chuck Swindoll gives us three things we can focus upon when it comes to aging:
- Look within…and release. What is it down inside you that is stunting your spiritual growth? When you probe around and find something you are hanging onto too tightly, deliberately let go…
- Look around…and respond. Don’t wait for someone else. Act on your own, spontaneously… is there a need you can help meet? Risk responding.
- Look up…and rejoice. You are the recipient of God’s riches, so enjoy them! Realize anew all He has done for you; then rejoice in the pleasure of getting involved with others… and stay involved! You will never regret it. Furthermore, it will help you grow up as you find yourself growing old. And the more involved you remain, the less concern you will have for how old you are.
By the way, how old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:19; Ephesians 4:17-5:2
Personal Application: Regardless of how old you are, wake up each day in anticipation of what the Lord has for you today. Thank Him and look for ways to represent Him well to others.
Jim Grassi, D. Min. and Wendell Morton
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5