No age limit on serving
In June of 1997, lightning struck our church and the resulting fire destroyed our building. The structure was demolished and rebuilt. We were blessed to have a master woodworker in our congregation. Mr. Ralph built our altar, pulpit, baptismal font, and various other furnishings. We learned there’s no age limit on serving.
Mr. Ralph was in his nineties.
As children, we’re often told we’re too young to do certain things. As we enter the “4th quarter” of life (as a friend likes to say), we may be told, we’re “too old.” Or we may use that excuse–uh, reason–ourselves.
But Wisdom is found among the older
Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not life bring understanding? (Job 12:12)
On Sunday afternoon, my church family supported me by hosting a book signing for Honoring God with My Body: Journey to Wellness and a Healthy Lifestyle. A young man (pre-teen) in our church assisted me by carrying books, helping distribute door prizes to the correct location, and placing a half-bushel of apples in a giveaway location. Some of these loads were too heavy for his small frame, but he served with enthusiasm.
“I love to help!” he said.
Do we encourage our young? Do we honor the gifts of our elders?
But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 1:7)
Our God doesn’t seem to mind that we’re young or old. He expects us to love and serve Him.
Like my young friend at church, do we love to help? Are we ready and willing when the time comes? As with Mr. Ralph, do we put our God-given skills to use in service to our Lord–no matter our age?
At every age, God is with us on our journey.
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. (Isaiah 46:4)
God values the very young and the elderly and everyone in-between. At every age, we can be in service to Him. Is there someone you can encourage on their journey of service? A phone call, a note by snail mail, or a verbal “thank you” for serving others?
Honoring God with My Body: Journey to Wellness and a Healthy Lifestyle provides practical advice, achievable goals, and encouragement for those seeking to make healthier lifestyle choices. This wellness Bible Study or individual devotional is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Target, Walmart, BooksAMillion and other major book sellers.
So much to love about this post Ms. Katherine. First, I congratulate you again on your book-signing. If it be God’s will, I’ll get to experience that one day myself. Second, and most especially, I want to thank you for encouraging that young fella to help you. Often, we “more mature” adults are slow to either request or accept help, even when we know deep inside ourselves we need it. In my case at least, I think it’s my pride that gets in the way of asking for or accepting it. When it’s from young people, it’s a double-blessing though. It helps us and it helps immerse them in the joy that comes from serving others. Last, your point that we are never too young or too old to serve God’s kingdom is especially true. As our church is a regional collection point for Operation CHRISTmas Child (BGEA & Samaritan’s Purse), I love seeing how older and younger members from many churches have worked together toward a common goal of sharing God’s love through this ministry opportunity. I think of our Mr. Frank Sears, like your Mr. Ralph, who makes over a thousand small wooden toy vehicles each year to place into each shoebox we pack. Then, I think of the young people who pack and load each box. I pray God blesses each one for their service. Oh, how my heart sings out with praise this morning for your post ma’am.
Your response makes my heart sing, too, my friend. Your church is so active–what an inspiration for your community! Your Mr. Frank is amazing and I expect he is a wonderful role model for your church and community. I confess that I haven’t always been as patient with my young, exuberant helper. Like you, I have a tendency to do things myself and not ask for help. But my young friend’s joy in helping blessed my day (and his, too, I think). Thank you for your encouragement, J.D. God has given you a special gift to share with us–encouragement (it’s one of your many gifts). Wishing you a week filled with joy and blessings.
What wonderful encouragement here for both older and younger. Mr. Ralph and your young man show their hearts for service. Fabulous, Katherine. Thanks and God bless!
Thank you, Nancy. I think we sometimes forget the importance of encouraging others–I don’t do it enough. Wishing you a blessed week.
It really is an inspiration to witness the older generation continuing to serve however possible. And what an essential testimony to a young, selfish culture. Grateful your church family blessed you with a book signing. Congratulations on a well done work!
Thank you, Mary. Our church families are such a blessing. As I near that older generation label, I pray I can continue to be an encourager and good role model. Jesus modeled the Fruit of the Spirit in His interactions on Earth. I’m trying, but sometimes stumble–thankful for the gift of grace and second chances.
So true and so encouraging, Katherine, plus perfect application. Thank you.
Thank you, Diana, for taking the time to read and comment. I’m grateful for your encouragement. Blessings!
What J.D. said. LOL. But I agree there is so much to love about this uplifting post. I love to help too. My church fills Christmas tubs with food for families in need. And it’s an opportunity to do more than donate money. I pick up a tub, take a shopping list to the store, pack my tub, and deliver it back to the church. I really like hands-on service and want to do more than I currently do. Your post inspires me to look for more opportunities.
I enjoy hands-on service, too, Candyce. Giving of our time is a special treasure to share with others. You inspire me, my friend. Wishing you a joyful week.
We do use the excuse of age sometimes, but we can find so many examples in the Bible of God using people in their older years such as Abraham and Sarah, Moses, Joshua, Caleb. John the Apostle wrote the book of Revelation when he was exiled and was in his nineties from what I have read. God is never finished with us! Blessings, Katherine!
Loved the way you said, “God is never finished with us!” That’s so true, but I think we often forget. Thank you for sharing the list of those “older” folks that accomplished so much in their service to God and others. There’s hope for us! Wishing you joy and blessings, Barbara.
I loved these examples of faithful servanthood in the different spectrum of ages. What an encouragement to read about Mr. Ralph, and again I can see my grandsons in your young friend. Thanks Katherine for bringing the challenge, “do we love to help?” I confess, I need a shot of that in my arm…
I need a booster shot on that, too, Sylvia. Sometimes we get stretched so thin with all the “must do” tasks that we feel close to breaking. But I realize if that is the case, I’ve committed to too many projects. God is helping me on that. Wishing you joy and sunshine.
I love it and agree 💯. I did not start writing until I was 50 and one year we took an 86 year old with us on a mission trip. God has a purpose no matter our age.
I hope I can go on a mission trip when I’m 86! That’s amazing. I’m thankful our Father has a plan for us to keep serving as long as we can. Thank you for your service to Him, Yvonne.
You’ve hit upon one of my favorite subjects, Katherine. I want to be found serving until my last day on earth. Happy Thanksgiving!
Every church I have been part of I have found the oldest Sunday school class I could find and joined it. I was often criticized by my own age group for not joining there’s and the group I did join were always curious why I would want to be with them. I would tell both groups I want to be with people who have already lived my struggles and can give wisdom into the situation. It helped tremendously. I am so grateful for the people who poured into me over the years and now I hope I am doing the same for those after me.
What a thoughtful plan, Jen. I can see how both you and those “older” folks you joined would benefit from shared experiences and wisdom. I know they enjoyed your presence and insights as much as you did theirs. Thank you for sharing. Wishing you joy, blessings, and a Happy Thanksgiving.