Cars tell us something about their drivers. At the wheel of a speeding Spitfire is a stylish young man, new job, beautiful girl, lots of living ahead-or so he thinks. The Suburban's three kids are soccer bound. Old and reliable, the Studebaker's occupants are...well, older and reliable folks.
Our culture glorifies young, glamorous bodies. Be careful not to buy the idea that your best years are gone. More mature people are more useful to God's Kingdom. As long as the Lord keeps us here, He has a job for us.
Psalm 71
Now also when I am old and gray headed, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come (verse 18). This man was committed to using his golden years as a witness for Christ to the younger generation.
Octogenarian evangelist Raymond Riggs said his secret for staying young at heart included spending much time with young people. He and his wife volunteer to work with youth at camps and church, inviting them home for cookies, hot chocolate, and games. He talks with them a lot.
Riggs also ministers to old people as chaplain at a nursing home, and devotes lots of time to grandparenting. "It keeps us young," he said.
Psalm 92
Another encouraging passage for Studebakers is Psalm 92: The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing.
As we grow older, we can remain as fresh in our spirits as evergreens, inwardly thrive even in severe conditions, have an inner strength, majesty, poise about us, and continue bearing fruit in our old age.
As J. Oswald Sanders said, "It's attitude rather than arteries that determines the vitality of our maturing years."
But, what about the infirmities of age? Though we can reduce or retard frailty with proper exercise, rest, and nutrition, our bodies will suffer wear along the way-arteries clog, memories fail, joints stiffen, steps slow. But God's promises don't clog, fail, stiffen, or slow. So rely more on the Savior and less on self.
Isaiah 46 is a wonderful example for seniors: Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you (verse 4).
We may feel frail, yet God designed and created us-body, mind, and soul-and can care for us as we get gray. God can be trusted. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will take care of you and use you.
Facing mandatory retirement from missionary service at 70 after 40 years in China, Bertha Smith didn't want to leave, finally feeling qualified to serve. However, God assured her He had a plan to care for and use her.
Bertha returned home and then got invitations to tell her experiences. For 30 years, she inspired churches across America, challenged youth on college campuses, and mirrored Christ around the world-still going at nearly 100.
Look around. See what you can do. Find a need. Fill it. Though it seems small, "Little is much if God is in it." No matter your age, you can make a priceless contribution to God's plan. You're made to live forever, a timeless creation. And, you've never had as much experience as you have now nor walked with the Lord as long as you have now.
Keep your spirit strong. Remember what Pearl Buck said at age 84: "I am a far more useful person than I was fifty years ago…or even ten. I have learned so much since I was 70."
Like the Studebaker, we may have been odd and unpopular when we were younger, but now we're classics. Don't be afraid to honk your horn and step on the gas. You might just pass up that Spitfire.
Mrs. P
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