How can a young man keep his way pure? Psalm 119:9
When I first graduated seminary and became a pastor I was the youngest pastor in our district, serving the oldest church. It was a unique distinction I held for one year. The next year, a younger pastor graduated from seminary and came into our region. I lost the title of youngest pastor. But I was still serving the oldest church! I had that going for me.
I remember those first few years as a pastor when people would tell me that I looked too young to be a pastor. I often had people make a remark about my age and compare me with their grandchildren. I was drawn towards Bible passages like 1 Timothy 4:12 where it says, “Let no one despise you for your youth.”
It does not happen as much today where people make comments about my age. I have grown older (hopefully wiser). I rarely am told that I look too young to be a pastor. Gone are the comparisons with people’s grandchildren. The other thing that I notice is that the new pastors coming out of seminary are younger than I am by a significant amount. We don’t stay young.
But at the same time, I still feel young. Aren’t we all young? It doesn’t matter what your age is. 50 is the new 25. 80 is the new 50.
How about you? Do you feel young? Feeling youthful is not about your age. I know of 90-year-olds that are more youthful than some 40-year-olds.
You Have a Lot of Living to To Do
When you think about your life in the realm of eternity, you are young. You have a whole lot of living yet to do. The majority of that living is in God’s eternal kingdom. We are just getting warmed up with living. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are old.
Your Sense of Youth Gives You Energy
A youthful sense also gives you more energy to accomplish the tasks which God gives. It gives you greater fulfillment and joy in life. It gives greater confidence and makes us a bit foolish to attempt things others our same age might not even try.
Don’t Make Age an Excuse
We certainly lose some ability as we age. We may not be able to run as fast – if we can still run. We might have a few more aches and pains. Nevertheless, don’t make age to be an excuse for not living your life to its fullest. Don’t shut yourself off from learning new things and experiencing new adventures because you are too old. God can accomplish new things in your life at any age. You never too old for God to do greater things.
Reflection
- Do you feel young?
- How do you maintain a sense of youthfulness?
- Have you made age an excuse for not living life to its fullest and experiencing new things?
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