Have you noticed that we are growing older? Of course you have. Everything that lives is getting older. That’s the nature of things and people. You see signs of it everywhere—at the mall, at the doctor’s office, in the church, and even on the college campus. But isn’t it a blessing to grow older, rather than the alternative?
As you grow older you realize that age is relative. You look at it differently. When you are a child, thirty is old. But at thirty, sixty is old. Yet, the eighty-year-olds look at those who are fifty or sixty as being young. Regardless of our age, we should continue growing mentally, socially, and spiritually. Along about eighteen we stop physical growth. From then on we must concentrate on maintaining our physical health.
Never Stop Your Mental Growth
Keep exercising the mind by reading, learning, meditating, analyzing, planning, discovering, and dreaming. History reveals that many artists, inventors, composers, poets, and writers were at their apex when they were in their sixties, seventies, eighties, and even nineties.
Turn off the TV and read more—beginning with the Bible. There are scores of excellent books available on just about any subject that may interest you. Learn more about what could help your health, your financial situation, your family, your occupation, and your outlook on life. “They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing.” (Psalm 92:14)
Never Stop Your Social Growth
Make new friends. Speak to people you see when you are out. Introduce yourself and start a conversation while waiting to see the doctor, get your car repaired, or whenever the opportunity arises. Get to know your neighbors. Show genuine interest in people. Remember their names. Ask about their family, occupation, recreation, etc., and tell them about yours.
Don’t stay in your own little world with no desire to get to know more and more people. Also, keep the bond of friendships strong and vibrant. Find things to do together that strengthen your relationship. Be there for them when there is a need. “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)
Never Stop Your Spiritual Growth
Deepen your love for the Lord by reading and studying the Bible more, praying more often and more fervently, and realizing your need for Him in your daily life. Your faith will grow stronger, your heart purer, and your hope brighter.
Deepen your love for the Lord’s people. Spend more time with them in the worship assemblies and various church-related activities. Do things together, share your joys and sorrows, draw strength from them, and always be ready to give it back.
Deepen your love for the Lord’s work. He wants the lost to be saved—so should we. He wants the church to grow—so should we. He wants us to live so that heaven will be our home when this life is over—so should we.
We should never stop growing in any realm, but especially in the spiritual. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever.” (II Peter 3:18)
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