We enjoyed a small expat Easter gathering in a hotel last night. We missed the large Easter church services we have enjoyed over the years. But it was good to worship together, with this small group, most of whom are young adults under the age of 40.
Jan and I like hanging around with young adults (our perspective on who is "young" is of course getting older all the time.) But this morning I read a verse which provides a goal for the young and a challenge to those of us who are older.
For those of us who are showing signs of aging: may we never stop bearing fruit, even as our energy levels lower, our bodies limit us and opportunities and responsibilities are handed off to the next generation. God expects us to still bear fruit: the character fruit of the Spirit; the fruit of good deeds as we lovingly serve others; the fruit of hearts that love and worship God; the fruit of providing godly examples; and always the fruit flowing from answered prayers for those who can more actively serve the Kingdom.
In the years when we were middle aged, Jan and I were very encouraged by the model of older Christians whose lives gave evidence of fruitful old age. We want to follow those models.
So to those of you who like us are now on the mature side of 60, in the words of the psalmist: "stay fresh and green"and keep bearing fruit for the glory of God.
Jan and I like hanging around with young adults (our perspective on who is "young" is of course getting older all the time.) But this morning I read a verse which provides a goal for the young and a challenge to those of us who are older.
"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree ---. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in Him." Psalm 92:12 - 15
Most of you know we lived for 8 years in Florida surrounded by palm trees and retirees when we were in our 40's. We were often saddened to observe the apparent "hollowness" in the lives of the many retirees. They seemed to fill their hours with meaningless, fruitless activities. We have also been saddened over the years to watch many Christians move into retirement years and, while still alert and healthy, stop all active service for God.
The psalmist reminds us that life doesn't have to wind down that way. This passage provides encouragement and a goal. Before you hit "old age" (however it is defined), make sure your life has been saturated with God and His righteousness. You should be "bearing fruit" now (John 15) and expecting to bear fruit when you are old.
For those of us who are showing signs of aging: may we never stop bearing fruit, even as our energy levels lower, our bodies limit us and opportunities and responsibilities are handed off to the next generation. God expects us to still bear fruit: the character fruit of the Spirit; the fruit of good deeds as we lovingly serve others; the fruit of hearts that love and worship God; the fruit of providing godly examples; and always the fruit flowing from answered prayers for those who can more actively serve the Kingdom.
In the years when we were middle aged, Jan and I were very encouraged by the model of older Christians whose lives gave evidence of fruitful old age. We want to follow those models.
So to those of you who like us are now on the mature side of 60, in the words of the psalmist: "stay fresh and green"and keep bearing fruit for the glory of God.
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