Growing Old Ungracefully

By Words of Hope, Monday, August 20, 2007

Read: 2 Chronicles 16:10-14

Asa was angry . . . At the same time Asa brutally oppressed some of the people. (v. 10 NIV)

Most of us will grow old. Only some of us will do so gracefully.

Verses 10-14 record the last stubborn days of a great king. Asa was a grumpy old man. His major offense? He got a disease in his feet and didn't ask the Lord for help. Now there's nothing wrong with going to doctors. God wants us to be wise. But he also wants us to trust him—more than counselors, therapists, doctors, and pills—and trust him to the end.

There are two types of old Christians. There are those who fret and fuss about how bad things have gotten and how rotten kids are these days. These cantankerous old rascals don't like the church's music, people, or pastor. But then there are Christians who, like fine wine, get better with age. They pray more. They grow wiser and kinder. They understand what really matters. They love the Lord and everyday read their big-print Bibles with the devotional tucked in as a bookmark. They pray for their kids and grandkids without ceasing. They're a pastor's best friend, and they long to be with Jesus. These are Asa's opposite, believers the church desperately needs.

What type of senior saint will you be—crotchety or Christlike?

Prayer: Lord, help me finish well and honor you until my dying day.

Used with Permission