AGING GRACEFULLY

The Bible is unique in so many ways, but the thing that impresses me the most about it is the fact that little children have little trouble understanding its message, and yet, the most learned of theologians is humbled by it!  When my youngest daughter was four years old, she put her faith in Jesus during her prayer before eating.  She raised her head and said, "Daddy, I just asked Jesus to come into my heart."  When I asked her what that meant, she replied, "I want to mind Him!"  To Cheryl, Jesus was her Lord, worthy of her worship and obedience.  I have yet to hear an adult explain the relationship between man and God in such a simple, yet profound way!  Salvation is the result of faith in Jesus, and has nothing to do with religion, denomination, nationality, race, age, gender, or any other factor.  Here are a few examples of how age effects one's relationship with God: 

*   Psalm 1:1 - "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."  [Note the subtle hint of the aging process - walking, standing, sitting].
*   Psalm 37:23-25 - "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in His way.  Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with His hand.  I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."  [Note that aging does not effect how one perceives the believer's relationship to the Lord].
*   Isaiah 40:29-31 - "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might, He increaseth strength.  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:  but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."  [Note the "slowing down" of the believer with age:  soaring as a youth; running as an adult; and walking as an elder].
*   Mark 10:13-16 - "And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them: and His disciples rebuked those that brought them.  But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer (allow) the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.  Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.  And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them."  [Note that a child's simple faith and trust in Christ, is how one becomes a child of God - see Jn. 1:12; 3:3-8; 1 Jn. 3:2; etc.]!

And while a believer's "diet" changes as Christian maturity develops, note that the substance to be "eaten," remains the same:  the Word of God!

*   1 Corinthians 3:2 - "I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able."
*   Hebrews 5:12-14 - "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.  For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the Word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
*   1 Peter 2:2 - "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby."