Do you ever accidentally look in the mirror and wonder who it is that is looking back mouthing the exact words you are saying? Surely not You! Do you do a double take to make sure there’s no one standing behind you? I must admit that I didn’t realize I LOOKED so old. Looking and physically not as able are the only 2 parts of me that are old. And… I have no intention of getting older in the parts of me that really count.
However, the thought struck me about old and age being a number and appearances. Bottom line is that you really are ‘stuck’ with what you have. Oh I know there are ‘beauty regiments’ one could follow or expensive treatments or surgeries but do you really want to go through all that. And the point? To look better! Honestly, it’s your who and what and how that matters.
I remember remarking to someone that some people seem to be born old. Not an age question or issue – that something happened in their lives that aged them far beyond their physical age. I think we’ve all met or seen them. Happy would not be a word to describe them. Fatalistic, slightly depressed, negative, never taking a risk – those are the descriptions. Frustratingly, I have no clue as to how to help them see who they can become instead.
I wondered how scripture responded to old and age. Pleasantly surprised about ‘age’. Old, however is not so good.
“palaios, “old,” “ancient”): A term thrice used by Paul (Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9) to signify the unrenewed man, the natural man in the corruption of sin, i.e. sinful human nature before conversion and regeneration. It is theologically synonymous with “flesh” (Romans 8:3-9), which stands, not for bodily organism, but, for the whole nature of man (body and soul) turned away from God and devoted to self and earthly things.
The old man is “in the flesh”; the new man “in the Spirit.”
When we use ‘old’ in the secular sense this is the definition of old: being of advanced years and especially past middle age; older. elderly. ancient. over-the-hill. decrepit, doddering, etc. Definitely not flattering. And certainly not desirable.
Does ‘age’ have a better rep? One site says:
“Aging in the Bible is said to be a sign of experience. The Lord promises His continued love and concern for the elderly. “I will be your God throughout your lifetime — until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you (Isaiah 46:4).
“The righteous will flourish like the date palm [long-lived, upright and useful]; They will grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic and stable]. Planted in the house of the Lord, They will flourish in the courts of our God. [Growing in grace] they will still thrive and bear fruit and prosper in old age; They will flourish and be vital and fresh [rich in trust and love and contentment];” [Psalms 92:12-14]
With these verses and interpretations… aging is a positive. I’ve always said that age is a number (not my quote). And for the most part, that’s how I act. But these verses elevate aging. Never thought about this in that light. Sooo for those of you who are heading ‘into the twilight years’ (I really do hate this phrase and implication) – rest assured: God’s not done with you yet!
