I will go in the strength of the Lord God; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only. O God, You have taught me from my youth; and to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also, when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come. (Psalm 71:16-18)

Enjoying Growing Older

Growing older is a natural part of the aging process. God designed the body to change over the years from the spring of youth to the winter of old age. Aging is a result of sin because God took away the tree of life that was in the Garden of Eden. Physical decay ravages the body until the day of death. Methusaleh lived to be 969 years, but he aged and died. Solomon described the aging process in great detail in the book of Ecclesiastes, which explores life, living, and dying. Everything seems to change from eyesight, strength, stability, desire, and weakness. Solomon’s admonition is to remember the Creator in one’s youth to prepare for the inevitable changes of old age.

The aging process takes place in the physical body, but for the child of God, a renewal takes place within. Seeking greater faith in old age reminds the person that the soul can be as young as desired. There is a greater maturity that comes with old age, having been spent in studying the scriptures and learning about the grace and mercy of God. Growing older can be a struggle. The afflictions of the body can cause some to be discouraged and resentful that youth has vanished. Having faith in God and knowing that aging is a natural and purposeful process should direct the mind to the eternal. As a person grows older, the reality of death and eternity becomes clearer. God wants and expects the older generation to continue fulfilling their work and responsibilities so that future generations may know Him.

Growing older is a significant time for one generation to pass on the strength of the Lord to the next. The greatest legacy someone can leave another is faithful devotion to God. Learning to love the Lord God with all the heart, soul, mind, and body is a message of hope that the next generation must accept. Generational faith is passed down from one generation to the next. The body grows old, but the mind remains steadfast in its focus on God’s will. Seeking greater faith in the winter days of life is a vital time of transition. The old saint is preparing to possess his eternal home, and the young saint has just begun their journey. Faith is the baton that must be passed from one generation to the next. It is a time of rejoicing to see the older saints still showing their love for the Lord, and it is a time of expectation for a new generation that will continue the fight for righteousness. This transition is necessary for the growth of the church.

The church is blessed with many older saints whose armor is battered and worn from years of battle. They are the heroes of the kingdom who never give up. As examples of faith and duty, older saints have promised King Jesus that they will not lay down their armor until they have declared the strength of the Lord to the next generation. They fight until the end. Their faith is what inspires the next generation. Never give up. Fight on with faith. Show the generations that follow the love of God and the promises of eternal life. Leave a beacon of light for those who follow, so that they may one day become the older generation, leaving a legacy for the next. The church is blessed beyond measure with faithful, older saints who continue to fight the good fight. Thank you for your service. The younger generation would do well to heed the counsel of the older saints, who have fought the good fight and kept the faith.