“The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.”–Proverbs 16:31

In the midst of a youth-obsessed culture where people go to great lengths to hang on to youth chemically, surgically, and psychologically, it is easy to forget how much God values wise and godly men and women in their later years. These elders in the faith, those who have walked with God for many years, have great wisdom to impart both to their own families and to those who are younger in the faith. Rather than dreaded growing old, we should rejoice in the opportunities it presents.

In his book The Best Is Yet To Be Henry Durbanville wrote, “I feel so sorry for folks who don’t like to grow old…I revel in my years. They enrich me…I would not exchange…the abiding rest of soul, the measure of wisdom I have gained from the sweet and bitter and perplexing experiences of life; nor the confirmed faith I now have in the…love of God, for all the bright and uncertain hopes and tumultuous joys of youth. Indeed, I would not! These are the best years of my life…The way grows brighter; the birds sing sweeter; the winds blow softer; the sun shines more radiantly than ever before. I suppose ‘my outward man’ is perishing, but ‘my inward man’ is being joyously renewed day by day.”

For our later years to be godly ones, we must walk in the way of righteousness during our young and middle years. Many of the people in the Bible who suffered serious moral failures—Noah, Judah, David, and others—were in the latter part of their lives when they sinned greatly. They abandoned the glory of old age and the consistency of their testimony for momentary pleasure. We should heed these examples as a caution of the need to finish well in our Christian walk.–Dr. Paul Chappell

“Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.” Psalm 90:8

It does not take a rifle-bullet to destroy a life. Men have died from little scratch-wounds.

Some shepherds once saw an eagle soar out from a crag. It flew majestically far up into the sky, but by and by became unsteady in its motions, and began to waver in its flight. At length one wing drooped and then the other, and the poor bird struggled vainly for a moment, and then fell swiftly to the ground. The shepherds sought the fallen bird, and found that a poisonous little serpent had fastened itself upon it while it rested on the crag. The eagle did not know that the serpent was there. But the reptile gnawed in through the feathers, and while the proud monarch was sweeping through the air, the serpent’s fangs were thrust into its flesh, and the eagle came reeling down into the dust!
 
This illustrates the story of many a human life. For a time they seem quite promising; then suddenly they struggle and fall. Some secret sin has long been eating its way to the heart, and at last the proud life lies soiled and dishonored in the dust!

We need to be ever on our watch against these treacherous and insidious perils, these little, secret sins–which, unperceived, work death in the soul!–J. R. Miller

I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one– 1 John 2:14

It is a myth that many young people perpetuate in their mind, that they cannot be strong or mature or successful in their Christian walk until they are older. But Paul writes here to young people who have successfully overcome Satan’s attacks.

How did they do it? They were strong; they stood their ground, even against the prevailing spirit and trends of their day. They refused to be intimidated, or enticed, by the constant bombardment of sin and sinful influences.

How could they be so strong? Where did they find the courage and wisdom to stand for truth and purity and goodness? The word of God had taken up residence in their hearts. It was not merely an occasional visitor to their minds, but a settled and constant inhabitant of their souls.

There is no shortcut to spiritual strength. A holy life is always the product of a holy reverence and love for God and His Word. Sadly, it is true, many young people do not experience the abundant life that is found in the way of Jesus Christ, because they are unwilling to exercise spiritual discipline.

However, spiritual apathy and weakness is not inevitable in early life. Young person, when your spirit and your will are controlled by the constant presence and application of God’s Word, you too can be strong; you too can overcome the wickedness of your culture and your generation.– “A Good Thing”

(The following was written by Matthew Henry, and was found after his death.)

Would you know where I am? I am at home in my Father’s house–in the mansion Jesus prepared for me there. I am where I want to be–where I have long and often desired to be. I am no longer on a stormy sea–but in a safe and quiet harbor. My working time is done–I am resting! My sowing time is done–I am reaping! My joy is as the joy of harvest!

Would you know how it is with me? I am perfect in holiness; grace is swallowed up in glory!

Would you know what I am doing? I see God; I see Him as He is; not as through a glass darkly, but face to face. The sight is transforming, it makes me like Him! I am in the sweet enjoyment of my blessed Redeemer, whom my soul loved, and for whose sake I was willing to part with all. I am here bathing myself at the spring-head of heavenly pleasures and unutterable joys; and, therefore, weep not for me. I am here singing hallelujahs incessantly to Him who sits upon the throne, and rest not day or night from praising Him!

Would you know what company I have? Blessed company–better than the best on earth; here are holy angels, and the spirits of just men made perfect. I am here with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of God; with blessed Paul, and Peter, and James, and John, and all the saints. And here I meet with many old acquaintances that I fasted and prayed with, who came here before me.

And, lastly, would you consider how long this is to continue? It is a garland that never withers; a crown of glory that never fades away; after millions of millions of ages, it will be as fresh as it is now; and, therefore, weep not for me!

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.–Psalm 90:12

In one of his books, Stuart Briscoe spoke of the many demands he faced as a busy pastor. There wasn’t time for a fraction of the things expected by others, and many items on his “to do” list were left undone. “Each morning I woke up feeling like the cowboy who rode up to a saloon, hitched his horse to the rail, started to pull a bag of oats over the horse’s head, and heard the town drunk standing nearby say, ‘Any fool can see you’ll never fit that horse in that bag!'”

We can’t possibly fit all the demands of life into the hours of each day. So we must live by priority, by commitment, by putting first things first, and seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Every moment of every day should be lived on God’s agenda with a commitment to Jesus as Lord of our pursuits and priorities. No servant can serve two masters. In a world filled with distractions, we’re called to serve the only One worthy of our praise and to let His agenda control our days.(Turning Point)

Majoring on minors may mean making major mistakes.
Stuart Briscoe