January 29

Written by Bill Grandi on January 29th, 2020

My title for this devotion is Acceptance vs. Rejection.

Just to get this out of the way early: I am 67 years old (b. 10/1952) and am not ashamed of that. Do I wish I was younger? Sure. Do I wish I could talk to my younger self and give him advice? Most definitely. Do I begrudge getting older? Yeah…sort of. Do I see myself as done, part of the over-the-hill-find-a-chair-to-sit-in gang? No.

Several things have brought my thoughts to this topic today besides the obvious physical discomfort (knees, back, neck, etc) brought on by “arthur’s residency.”

  • I read an article yesterday on church trends for 2020 and one point was about active, growing and alive churches are being led by younger men (<50 y/o).  Many churches fail to grow and stay active because the aging senior pastor fails to recognize his ineffectiveness. So I asked, “Is that me?”
  • I started reading a book of daily thoughts entitled A Good Old Age by Derek Prime. It’s an A to Z of loving and following the Lord Jesus in later years. (In fairness I started this last year but failed to finish it so I thought I would start over again and read one a day).

I struggle with aging-not because I dread old age or because I need to retire but can’t- but because I feel I still have much to give.  I hope that doesn’t sound arrogant. I’m certainly not a “I know all things because I have been a pastor for over 45 years” kind of guy. Sure, I’ve been around the block a time or two; made my extra share of mistakes; caused heartache; opened my mouth and inserted foot more than I want to admit; and made life h*** for some.  But I also know I’ve helped many; loved many; been a good husband and father and now a grandfather; been faithful to the Word in my preaching; loyal to my friends; tried to take care of myself physically (I think all surgeries have been cycling related) 🙂 ; and followed Jesus. I also know I still have energy and still feel I have much to offer the church.

I’m also aware the clock is ticking. No one lives forever (unless you count heaven/hell). But Derek reminded me of three truths I need to remind myself:

  1. The amazing forgiveness that is ours in Christ Jesus.
  2. The glorious truth of God’s Fatherhood and His promises to His children.
  3. The wonderful hope of heaven.

Great reminders! For. all. ages!!! Sure, as one ages he becomes more aware of his mortality, but those are good for everyone of every age to remember. If we do, we won’t have to tell our younger self anything.

“Father, You have made me, me. You have granted me 67 years on this earth so far. How many are left only You know. And I’m content with that. But it is not time to roll over and give up. Challenge me to keep growing. Keep reminding me of those three truths.”

 

5 Comments so far ↓

  1. Good Morning, Bill. Great devotional this morning!!!!

  2. Ryan S. says:

    I am of the opinion that if I didn’t have more to give…. or more for God to fix… then God would bring me home. Not saying I can live carelessly, just that it is in God’s hands. Despite my mistakes, despite my rebellion, and even despite the good.

  3. Crystal says:

    Good morning from sunny AZ 🌞 guess I feel strongly that first of all, numbers can’t be a gauge of whether a church is alive, growing and healthy. And 2nd, the moment we put any sort of age limit on someone’s usefulness in kingdom work we are messing dangerously in a role only designed for God. And it is that same mindset of usefulness, dignity, and societal value that is at the core of the euthenasia and abortion mindset.😢 praying that across America we as God’s family would wake up from this anesthetic the devil has used to put us to sleep and deceive us into accepting his gauge of usefulness, value, dignity, etc.

  4. No matter how long we live, we should always keep growing in the Lord, and contributing to our world in a way that shines the light of Jesus to others who need it.
    Blessings, Bill!

  5. floyd says:

    It’s fascinating how different people age. It’s really not about the numbers, it’s about the attitude. And when we know in our hearts that we have more to give, then we do.

    Retirement is for people that don’t like what they’re doing or can no longer do it. You don’t fit either bill.

    Passion is a contagious thing when a person of years has it, it’s even more powerful. It’s a gift from God.