Never Retire from Christianity

Twice in the last few weeks, I’ve gotten to spend time with him. He is in his 70s, at least (in fact, I think he’s in his 80s). But “active” doesn’t even begin to describe him.

About 3 weeks ago, I was with him in a Bible class. He drives right into the heart of downtown Nashville and teaches a lunch-time class once each week. The class was amazing, and I was blessed to attend. This man pulled out visual aids left and right. Since he was teaching on the book of Ruth, he brought a replica of a winnowing fork for us to see. He brought grain to hold in his hand. He had a painting of Ruth and Boaz at his side so we could have a visual of what it might have looked like. The applications were as modern as any you’ll ever hear. To say I was blessed would be an understatement.

But that’s not all he does. He still preaches for a congregation in the Nashville area, and “talks up” that good church regularly. He is holding a Gospel Meeting next week. Yesterday, I got to speak with him for a few moments at a local preachers’ meeting. I’m certain there are many other things he does that I am just not aware of.

Here is a man who, in the secular world, would long ago have been considered of retirement age, but he hasn’t retired from Christianity, and he never will.

Today, I challenge all of us to have that mindset.

In many congregations, the older generation is pushed aside. That’s tragic, but that’s another post for another day. For today, I want all of us to think about our golden years as the perfect time to serve, keep serving, and keep serving some more!

Older saints have wisdom that is invaluable. Older men and women are commanded in Scripture to teach those who are younger (Titus 2:1-8). Elders would be wise to evaluate how much of that is going on in their congregations. Usually, older Christians are sitting in classes taught by 20-and-30-somethings or baby boomers because “their day has passed.”

Not true! The wisdom, experience, love, and abilities of our senior saints is a resource that needs to be tapped into constantly. It doesn’t just have to be in classes, though. Some can make many visits because they have more available time. Others can be the greatest card senders, emailers, and phone callers the congregation has ever seen. Still others can cook, mow yards, fix furniture, or do other similar works for those who are struggling in their health or with finances. And many can be teachers in programs like World Bible School, so that people around the world can hear the message of Jesus Christ.

And the list can go on and on.

Christians, let’s not allow the “retirement philosophy” to be present in our congregations. They may move a little slower (or they may not!) or they may have to think for a moment before responding (but what’s wrong with that?). But my prayer is that every congregation will utilize their talents and abilities on a consistent basis. And I pray that every one of those wonderful older Christians will desire to never retire from Christianity.

A.T. Pate certainly hasn’t, and I pray I never will, either.

QUESTION: What can be done to encourage older Christians to remain active in the Lord’s work?

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Photo credit: Martin Howard on Creative Commons

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