This discussion is not directed at any individual or individuals.
Addressing the aging process has nothing to do with a person’s age. It has everything to do with aging and the impact aging has on each individual.
I’m just a few months younger than the president of the United States. I’m not going to bash our commander in chief. I respect the office of the presidency and have no intent to cast dispersions on the individual presently serving.
Nor do I intend to address those U.S. senators who are octogenarians.
What we all need to consider is each person’s capacity to properly serve competently.
My profession requires mental acuity and some physical stamina. I’m at that point in my 40-year insurance career where I’m open to passing the baton to a younger competent person, but I also know that God has blessed me with longevity and a sound mind.
In fact, I believe some of my most productive years just might possibly lay ahead. This present journey has been exhilarating, and I look forward to where God is leading me in the future.
All I know is my Lord doesn’t seem to want me to slow down or totally retire yet.
If you are retired from your profession and reading this, all I can say is “That may be fine for you, but I have no desire to join you in a life of leisure!”
As a follower of Christ and a voracious reader of God’s Word, I’ve been deeply impressed by the long lives of two men devoted to God during their 40-year journey in the wilderness.
Joshua and Caleb were the two spies representing the tribes of Ephraim and Judah sent into the Promised Land who came back with a glowing report to Moses and their people.
They were also the two who God called to lead the Israelite remnant into Canaan to secure the land for His chosen people.
Joshua and Caleb were both octogenarians when they crossed the Jordan River. And they both lived well past the age of 100!
During those years, Israel conquered most of the land and the people flourished. These men were effective leaders who certainly loved the Lord.
In the 14th century B.C., God’s Word recounts the many victories and a few setbacks as the Israelites faithfully followed Joshua, their assigned shepherd, as he guided them into battle after battle in the Promised Land.
Both Joshua and Caleb were certainly led by the Holy Spirit as they demonstrated a spiritual, mental and physical strength that gave them the power to lead their flock to victory.
That same spiritual, mental and physical strength is available today for those who place their trust in God the Father, Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
And while we’re talking about longevity, you may also want to look at the life of Moses who God kept around for 120 years to fulfill his purpose for the Lord.
Here’s my bottom line: If our Lord gives you longevity and blesses you with spiritual, mental and physical strength, I believe He’s expecting you to remain faithful and obedient to those circumstances He will place in your midst.
God has a wonderful plan for those who remain obedient to the end and for some of us it at least appears our earthly end may not be near — unless the Lord returns in the meantime!
Maranatha — Come soon, Lord Jesus!