I AM GETTING OLDER AND CAN DO LESS FOR GOD

“Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.” – Psalm 71:18.

Our society holds on to youthfulness with a white-knuckled grip. We worship youth and dread the day when we are older. The 2024 presidential election is focused on age. President Joe Biden, 81, and former president Donald Trump, 78, are the two oldest major party candidates for the US presidency. How productive can a person be when they grow old? The Bible has a perspective on this subject. Proverbs 16:31 says, “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.” Titus 2 encourages both older men and women to be examples to younger people and to teach them God’s ways. Aging does not have to mean reducing our service to the Lord

All this begs the question: Is age relevant to God? The answer is no. Age is entirely irrelevant to God. Older people are assumed to be wise, and young people are less so. However, there are Christians who, despite their older age, are still immature. And there are young Christians who, despite their youth, are wise well beyond their years. That being said, as a general rule, older Christians still tend to be the most mature because they have spent many years learning and applying the truth of God’s word to their lives. Younger Christians are generally just beginning and haven’t had the time to learn as much. But it is not the age that matters; it is the knowledge and application of God’s word. It is God’s word that matures us and equips us: ”God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:17). You can be wise at any age. James 1:5 does not give an age requirement, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you…”

God calls people of all ages. The Bible seems to imply that there is no upper or lower age limit for service in the Kingdom. God calls the very young, like Samuel and Jeremiah, to be prophets when they are little more than boys. David was anointed for service when he was just a boy, tending sheep in the fields. Paul writes to Timothy, reminding him not to let others look down on him because he’s young (1 Timothy 4:12).

God also calls the elderly. Abraham was 75 when God called him to leave his place of birth and set out towards the land of Canaan. Moses was 80 when God appeared in the burning bush and gave him the task of returning to Egypt to lead his people to freedom.

God uses all kinds of people to accomplish His work. God knows your gifts and your circumstances, and He can use you right where you are, no matter how gray your hair may be.

Discussion Questions:

Do you believe God can use you regardless of your age? Why or why not?
What can we learn from older Christians this week? What can we learn from younger Christians this week?