Dear Readers,
“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. How many times have you heard that saying?
Now that I am approaching sixty years of age the saying hits closer home. A few weeks ago I was with my son registering for college where I saw numerous young people, mostly still in their teens, in the process of registering. I wondered to myself “what separates them from me?” All of a sudden I had the urge to register for classes myself just to show everyone, and myself, that I am not washed up. Plus the urge to learn was re-inspired within me. The college bulletin board had all kinds of study tips and things that an employer is looking for, things that I never even thought about before after roughly forty years of employment.
There is also a recent trend in the church whereby I have heard pastors and others say when they want to go to more modern way of worship with a stage-like appearance, colored stage lights, etc. They said there is proof that the younger generation is where the future of the church lies. They went on to say there is proof that old persons without the Lord in their lives are much more likely to never give their hearts to the Lord.
While I agree that the future of the church might lie within the lives of the younger generation, I bristle when I hear church leaders and others tout the fact that older persons will never give their hearts to the Lord, so there is no need spend much time or energy trying to reach out to them.
I prefer the saying, “You’re never too old to learn.” And I especially like the Bible verse in 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV): “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promises, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” “Everyone” means even “old dogs”.
See you next time,
Arlen
4 comments:
A wonderful point, Arlen. We have to focus on EVERYONE. Thanks for the thoughts!
Thanks Joanne for your comments. They are much welcome. Sometimes I feel older than other days when I have more energy.
The statement that older people will never give their heart to the Lord is one huge lie. My parents are evidence that age has nothing to do with God's saving grace. My Mother was 73 years old when God saved her and she died peacefully 9 months later. My Dad was 81 years old when he was saved and he died at the age of 85. Both were Amish, but not good Amish people.
One time I spoke to my two pastors and questioned why they placed black plastic over all the windows in the sanctuary to make the church like a stage setting. One said that he came from an "old person church" and he wanted to make sure this one did not turn into an "old person church". I am so glad your parents turned to the Lord in their old age. May they be an example for many, many more.
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