Lots of issues come to the minds as people advance in age and get closer to the end of life. At times individuals have struggled to overcome life challenges the way best known to them, seeking or without seeking divine intervention. God created the life for a purpose and He wants people to understand His purpose for creation. Psalm 71:18 - When I am old and gray-headed, O God, forsake me not, until I have showed they strength unto this generation, and thy power to everyone that is to come. The followings are discussed: Aging with Faith in God; Loosing Loved Ones, and Leaving a Legacy.
Aging with Faith in God: We must acknowledge that life is short and should be lived well because all the days spent will be accounted for. We should also be conscious of the realities associated with aging and old age. The stages involve some difficulties, but there is hope when we keep faith in God. ( Ecclesiastes 12:1-7). As we age life slows down on us and we become less active. The strength retained in serving God during the youthful years will sustain individuals when they are full of age. Young people are encouraged not to delay in their decision to live for God. We should be conscious of the present situation, the next hour may not provide any opportunity.
All stages of life are not a waste to Christians. God wants His people to remain fruitful throughout their lives (Psalm 92:12-15). Believers must get themselves planted in the house of God. They must see life beyond human perspective, which seems to be longer. Life is very short from eternal perspective. People planted in the house of God will live to please Him and bear good fruits until their old age. There are many ways people can serve God in their old age (Luke 2:36-38; Titus 2:2-5). There is pleasure in serving God at such stage of life.
Loosing Loved Ones: Loss of lifelong partner causes weeping and mourning because it is associated with termination of a relationship and feeling of loneliness (Genesis 23:1-4). Great comfort is available in mourning for those who are in God (Matthew 5:4). Christians are blessed during the time of mourning because God is their comforter. He cares about the pain and sorrow associated with mourning. Christians should understand there is hope for the departed soul in Christ. Therefore they should not mourn like people without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13&14). Departed souls in Christ will resurrect with Christ in glory (Romans 8:9-11). They will meet again in heaven.
Leaving a Legacy: Christians should understand that the greatest legacy they can leave is a spiritual legacy in God-centered life (Psalm 71: 5-9, 17,18). If God is involved in a situation the rest will be easier. He gives grace to those who believe in Him and fills their mouths with testimonies as they praise and honour Him. God is faithful no matter the circumstances of life.
Spiritual legacies are the heritage of faith that Christians must pass on to their children, grandchildren and others. Life of Christians is like embarking on a race that requires spiritual exercises to continue on the right track. Glory and honour await those who finish the race well. Those who drop out will loose eternal life. As difficult as the race was for Apostle Paul he has this to say at the end, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:6-8 ). Lesson texts: Gen 23:1-4; Ps 71:5-18; 92:12-15; Eccl 12:1-7; Matt 5:4; 1 Thess 4:13&14; 2 Tim 4:6-8
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