Online Articles
A Life of Servitude
"Some who reach the 'golden years' feel as if they are no longer useful in the kingdom but that is not the case. Just like dried up flowers, you have the potential to reach thousands through your example. Maybe the only example you are able to give at this time in your life is faithfulness — but it is a powerful one, and always needed. You are there when the doors of the meetinghouse are opened if you can drag yourself out at all. Sometimes you are there when you ought not to be. You have been married for 40, 50, 60 years to the same husband or wife, and the devotion between you is still obvious. You sit quietly and never cause any trouble. In Bible classes, you make comments that show you have lived by the scriptures. You have children who are faithful to God, to their mates, to the body of Christ, and who are good citizens of this earthly country as well. Do you think none of that counts?
If you are young, you need to start making good use of these resources. Too many times the young are stuck in the ways of youth, forgetting that older Christians have lived a life every bit as interesting as theirs. Get them to talking sometime about their past. You just might be amazed at what they have been through and survived; things you will probably never face in these prosperous times. Moreover, you will find one of the helps God always intended you to have — the wisdom of the aged. I have learned more valuable lessons from quiet people with halos of silver hair than from any pulpit preacher I have ever listened to — and I have heard some inspiring ones. Setting an example is not something we have a choice about. As long as we are alive, we do just that. And it may be the most powerful thing any of us do. You are never shriveled, dried up and useless as far as God is concerned. You are always sowing seeds. Be sure you sow the right ones."
The hoary head is a crown of glory;
it shall be found in the way of righteousness.
Prov. 16:31
