Age Doesn’t Determine Service
When Joshua had grown old, the Lord said to him, “You are now very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over. -- Joshua 13:1
I recently went for my first bone density screening. It’s a right of passage I suppose. They assure me it’s more of a preventative measure, just making sure my bones are okay before I get old.
Except that they told me I am 1 ½ inches shorter than I used to be. What?! I am undeniably aging. There is proof. I can no longer deny it. But that doesn’t mean I’m done.
Joshua was between 85 and 100 years old (see Life Application Study Bible) when God told him there was still work to be done. I’m nowhere near that age and I know there’s still work to be done.
I’ve never really understood why some people think that if they reach a certain age, they no longer have to contribute to their church or community. I’m not talking about money. That’s a good thing, of course, but I’m not sure it’s even the most important thing.
Sometimes we need the experience of older people, coupled with the exuberance of the younger folks, to really make things work. Kids need older role models. There are many kids these days who live far from grandparents and extended family. Why not be there for them?
Stories abound of people who work hard and then finally reach retirement. Six months later they are dead. Why? They had no reason to get up in the morning. They had lost their purpose.
I once met a couple, both retired, who volunteered 40 hours per week. There wasn’t just one organization that benefited from their labor. They found a few groups they supported and divided their time. They were happy and busy and filled with purpose.
And, yes, they were forever trying to recruit others to their way of life. They had a point. Just think how much good could be done if retirees volunteered at least some of their time and expertise each week.
The Bible doesn’t say anything about retiring. I’m not sure why we think we should stop serving Him as we get older. I have no idea what the future holds or if I even have a future. God determines my time here on earth. But I sure hope that I will always find a way to contribute, to give back, for as long as I am here.
