We just completed the 6 session study of “Don’t Give The Enemy A Seat At The Table.” This study increased our perceptiveness and sensitivity to the lies of the Enemy in our day to day living. I recently read a message by Author Jen Wilkin that identified lies the Enemy is projecting about aging. Those of us in the second half of life are probably even more sensitive to this false story of aging. Here are the six lies about aging:
- Aging is a diminishment, a loss of identity. The Bible instructs that aging is a completion … a deepening of identity. Psalm 92:14 NIV They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. As we age we contribute to others a wisdom only experience can provide.
- The elderly are obsolete. We live in a “toss away” society. Society would have us believe that seniors are not valuable; the Bible directly contradicts this. Leviticus 19:32 NIV Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.
- Wisdom is found among the young. Social media platforms have asserted faux experts who lack experience and perspective. The truth is that our aging minds and bodies teach us about a sustaining and loving God. Job 12:12 NIV Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?
- Aging is a disease to medicate. Culture tells us that aging faces and bodies are deformities. The Bible informs us that aging is a gift to steward. Long life provides more time for intergenerational relationships and more time for faithful service to God and others. While we experience more physical challenges with age, God meets us with His sustaining presence (Isaiah 46:4).
- The elderly are a burden. Today’s individualism and self-sufficiency envisions increased dependency with aging as a hassle or a hardship. The Bible anticipates that long life will entail dependency on younger generations. A biblical perspective of caregiving upward is a more God-honoring and anticipated part of the rhythm of life. Gratitude for our elders is exhibited as we care for and value them.
- Age is just a number. The world’s false story of anti-aging is motivated by fear and FOMO (fear of missing out). The world says, “Don’t get old! You’ll be invisible, irrelevant, a has-been, a burden.” The Bible’s true story of aging is motivated by joy. Embrace aging. We grow in wisdom, depth and value. Nobody is a has-been in God’s family!
Men – one of our ways to live counterculturally is to value all of life, including the latter parts. My prayer is that we combat the false story that aging diminishes life. Be the biblical change leaders as we value those progressing in the senior years of their lives.
