An Oldie But a Goodie

Today’s Verse:

Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. ~Philemon 1:9

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Several years ago, I had a really educating conversation with a preacher who was an expert on raising cattle and meats. He told me all about how steaks that are aged over a certain number of days are better tasting than steaks that are not aged. There is a better taste and tenderness associated with those steaks. This morning, we are considering the value of the aged.

We see the maturity.

The word aged is found nine times in the Bible. We read about Barzillai being aged, the aged men and women at Crete, and Paul the aged one. We read about Mnason, who was called an old disciple. There is maturity with being aged. The life experiences, the acquired wisdom, the seasoned decisions, and the virtue of patience contribute to making maturity very valuable. Maturity represents stability, soundness, and sagacity. There is credibility with someone who is mature. There is great confidence in someone that is mature. A mature Christian is able to discern between good and evil. Strive to be a mature believer.

We see the modeling.

“That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience” (Titus 2:2). Paul instructed Titus to teach the aged men and women in the churches at Crete to be good examples of stable and spiritual Christians. Inherent with this is being sober-minded, serious-minded, disciplined in spirit and body, spiritually discerning, loving, lovable, and patient. The mature women were to model being good wives, good mothers, keepers at home, discreet, holy, and submissive. A good example is more effective than our words and promises.

We see the mentoring.

Along with modeling is the importance of mentoring. If we desire a new generation to arise with the same biblical and core values as us, it needs mentors. A mentor makes the sacrifice of investing time, talk, and truth in the life of the protégé. Mentoring asks good questions. Mentoring demands accountability. Mentoring gives feedback, both positive and corrective. Mentoring demands honesty and truth. Mentoring drives a standard of excellence. Mentoring is exhausting and, at times, frustrating. However, when we stay at it, it is rewarding in its product.

We see the motivating.

Paul said, “Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee....” An older, mature person is in a great place to motivate others to do right and do more. When you have the experience and the proven track record, people want to hear and see you. One of the most famous men alive today is Warren Buffett of Berkshire Hathaway fame. His has a proven record as a successful investor. People listen when he speaks and gives advice. People will leap at the opportunity to learn from this investment sage. In a similar way, a spiritually fruitful, mature, and happy Christian is a great motivator to those who are younger and seek to abound in their spiritual life.

Being aged does not mean you are obsolete, over-the-hill, or outdated. It does mean you have a great contribution to make to the generation coming up behind you. You can be an oldie and still a goodie.

Have a spiritually mature God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Chronicles 1-2

#Philemon #Aged #Maturity