Celebrated my 45th high school class reunion yesterday.  Discovered that with age there’s a beautiful benefit–maturity!  My former classmates and I are approaching 65 (dare I type that number!).  The society we live in preaches that being young is better.  Even if you’re not young in age you should try to look young and act young for as long as possible!  WOW, talk about a major fiery dart!

Let me ask you all a question.  Why are we suppose to do all that we do to stay young looking?  Well, one more question.  Why are we suppose to resist growing older?  Ok, one more.  What’s wrong with growing older?

I LOVE what the Bible has to say about growing older.  Here are a few verses to help you get the right perspective on aging.

Leviticus 19:32

“Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.” (NIV) 

Society has gotten it all mixed up.  Instead of showing respect for those of us who are growing older they look upon us as a burden.  

I am relieved that the final word, the word that makes a difference in my life, tells me that the aged should be respected.  

Thank you God for showing me the beauty of growing older: 

“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.” (NIV) Proverbs 16:31 (Gray hair is a crown of splendor!  That’s an adornment, right? Sure is!)

“Wisdom is with aged men, With long life is understanding.” (NASB) Job 12:12

(As we grow older, wisdom and understanding is part of the package. Nice!)

“The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.” (NIV) Proverbs 20:29 (There’s that splendor reference again.  Oh, how good that makes me feel!  Listen, gray hair softens the look of wrinkles. That’s a fact! I heard it from a beautician who ought to know about such things.)

“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” (ESV) Proverbs 23:22 (When I’m old, God tells my children to listen to me and show respect. Oh yeah, I like that)

“I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” (NLT) Isaiah 46:3-4  (God says to me that I won’t have to worry about Him forsaking me when I’m old.  He’s gonna care for me all the way through. Now that’s reassuring!)

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Cor 4:16-18 (NKJV) (As we grow older, our ‘inner man’ is being renewed. The things that can be seen–our gray hair, wrinkles, bodies that are wearing down, all those things that are happening on the outside, they don’t have eternal significance–they are just temporary! But the renewed inner person–now that’s significant and it’s eternal! Yahoo!)

Wow! That sure puts a difference perspective on things, doesn’t it!

There’s a lot to look forward to in growing older.  Like:

Grandchildren!

Retirement – no more racing the clock!

Time – to spend with God!

Time – to enjoy accomplishing some of those things on your Bucket List!

Time – to spend with your loved ones!

Did I mention – TIME!

Wisdom – Finally you ‘Get It’ about some things!

Understanding – Confusion about some things start

 clearing up!

Respect – Yep! Comes with the territory!

People start listening to you more!

The softening effect of gray hair!

Assurance – God will not forsake you!

Paying off your mortgage!

Renewal

I could go on and on, but this gets you started.  So my advice friends is to let God’s Word define your thoughts on aging.  The world will shoot you some mighty foolish thoughts (fiery darts) concerning aging, so put up your shield of faith and resist them.

You keep listening to God and you’re gonna realize there is a lot to look forward to as you get older.   His plans are so good! (Jer. 29:11)