Aging Well

Introduction

There is an old saying in American culture. I don’t know if it is used much any longer. The first mention of this saying is found in Christopher Bullock’s 1716 book The Cobbler of Preston. The saying is this — “Tis impossible to be sure of any thing but Death and Taxes.” The saying was later used in Daniel Dafoe’s work from 1726 The Political History of the Devil in which the saying was only slightly modified — “Things as certain as death and taxes, can be more firmly believ’d.” Finally, Benjamin Franklin used the saying in 1789 as a descriptor of the Constitution when he wrote “Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

Death and taxes occur in this life. From our youngest to our oldest, there is one thing that is absolutely certain, we die. Unless the Lord returns while we are still living, there is absolutely a 100% death rate. While perhaps not pleasant to think about, we must think about dying for it is only when we come to grips with that reality that we learn how best to live. Some live life as if they will never die. David Elkind calls this the personal fable and it is quite common among teens. It is the idea of being invincible; that nothing bad can happen. It can happen to others but not to me. It is this kind of thinking that allows teens to engage in risky behaviors that threaten life and limb. But to live life as if one will never die is to live life not only in a risky fashion but without consideration of eternity. Such a view gives permission for one to live outside of laws and boundaries and to seek only pleasure.

Some live life knowing that they are going to die and paralyzed to do anything that might seem the least bit dangerous. These see life as scary and find ways to hide from engaging life for fear of hastening life’s end. I propose that living life knowing that you will one day die is freeing. Rather than being afraid, we live life with energy and purpose knowing that an eternity with God is not to be feared. I suggest to you that of all the ways to view life — those who follow God find purpose and meaning in this life as best explained by the eternity with God. The humanist will do much good in this life with the purpose of trying to make the world better for later generations but eventually life ends with no continuation except in the memory of loved ones.

My purpose this morning is to demonstrate that with the advancing of years there is a way for God’s people to look at those advancing years and to engage them. As believers we recognize that aging is a part of life and that as we age we still have something to offer not only to this world but to the God who gives us an extended time on this earth.

Maintaining Purpose

I have heard it more times than I can remember or count. It is almost exclusively with those who are growing older, who are often confined to a dwelling or bed, who are not able to be as active as they once were and this is the sentiment said in a variety of ways — I don’t know why I am here. The thought has to do with losing purpose and meaning. Suffering has invaded life and more than anything there is a desire to finish this life and a desire to go be with God. Two things in response:

First, it is absolutely normal to feel this way and it is not a sin. Even Paul longed to go and be with the Lord as he neared the end of his life (Phil. 1:23). There is no sin in expressing such a view nor in finding great comfort in knowing that being with God is preferred.

Second, until the day comes when we continue life with God moving from this earth to His side, let us remember that purpose and meaning is found outside of us. There are times that a loved one must be cared for and God’s purpose can be carried out in that care although the person being cared for would rather not experience such.

I want us to spend our time looking at Psalm 71. This psalm expresses the thoughts of one who is aging. While there is indication that there is still activity, life is slowing down and the writer very much wants life to matter. There are enemies that assail and the writer pleads for God to deliver. But he acknowledges that he is aging and that things are not what they used to be. While I have no doubt that the writer intends for us to understand that physical enemies are near, I believe we can use this psalm to turn our attention to what it takes to age well.

There are three things I want to emphasize and there are more than three.

(Vss. 1-8) First, as we age let’s make sure that our lips are filled with praise. It is very easy to find ourselves complaining as we age. Our bodies don’t work as well as they once did. We find that friends and family move away from us. We discover a greater sense of loneliness because we are not as able to be socially active as we once were. It is very easy for our minds to turn to complaining. We may age with bitterness. We may age with thinking about what we are missing rather than what we have. We may bemoan our lack of financial resources and become resentful of those who do not struggle. Visiting with those who are bitter and resentful is not easy. The person who finds something wrong in just about everything is the person who builds walls and increases isolation.

    (1) How do we avoid such bitterness as we age? Notice that the writer says that his confidence has been in God since his youth (v.5). If you remember how easy it was to praise God when things were good, then you need to work on praising God when things are bad.

    (2) Shed tears and sing His praise. Immerse yourself in those things that encourage. Pray for God to bind Satan from inhabiting your emotions and thoughts.

(Vss. 9-18) Second, as we age let’s make sure that we tell our stories to younger generations. Age is largely disrespected in our culture. Former Governor Richard Lamm of Colorado in 1984 said in a speech “We’ve got a duty to die and get out of the way with all of our machines and artificial hearts and everything else like that and let the other society, our kids, build a reasonable life.” While that came in a political speech, we all know those who have been abandoned to nursing facilities. As followers of Jesus we recognize that every person matters. As older adults we must make sure that we are telling our children and grandchildren about God’s goodness. We must be sure that the stories get repeated. As younger people, you must be open to hear from older adults about those stories.

(Vss. 19-24) Third, while the writer is writing about physical restoration it is important to remember that as we age let’s remember that life will continue with God. Praise belongs on the lips of God’s people not anger and resentment. Praise is in the heart of God’s people not despising God during the tough times. Let me tell you the story of a man and woman who are deeply respected in this congregation.

Song by B.J. Thomas —

    (1) They say that heavens pretty And living here is too But if they said that I would Have to choose between the two I'd go home, going home Where I belong

    (2) And sometimes when I'm dreaming It comes as no surprise That if you look and see The homesick feeling in my eyes I'm going home, going home Where I belong

    (3) And when I'm feeling lonely And when I'm feeling blue It's such a joy to know that I am only passing through I'm headed home, going home Where I belong

    (4) And one day I'll be sleeping When death knocks on my door And I'll awake and find That I'm not homesick anymore I'll be home, going home Where I belong

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