When I was growing up, my parents were involved in a large Sunday School class. Within this class, there were about ten couples that became lifelong friends. Over the years, they would get together for game nights, social events, and other things. The group slowly got smaller as more of them went home to Jesus. About five years ago, Mrs. Britton’s husband died. My mom and Mrs. Britton were very close. They were both avid fans of the Detroit Tigers, often calling each other during or after games. They both turned 90 last year. A couple weeks ago, Mrs. Britton died, leaving my mom as the lone survivor. I can’t imagine being in that place.
Our church recently did a series on the family. One message was on “honoring your father and mother.” I went home that day and wrote a letter to my mom, telling her of all the good things she passed on to me and the blessing she has been in my life and to our family. I want her to know how valuable her wisdom is and how much I appreciate her. She told me recently that she carries that letter with her everywhere she goes.
Our verse today speaks of an important truth… some of the most valuable people in the Kingdom of God (and the Church) are older people. Not just older people, but people who have lived a godly life. They are called “crowns of glory.” These are those who have remained consistent, faithful, steadfast, and walking in obedience to God. These are those who have lived a life of serving others. We might ask… What makes them so valuable? I would say it’s their wisdom that comes from godly living. Wisdom doesn’t usually come to us all at once like it did for Solomon, but it develops over time… it emerges out of living a godly life.
Here's the thing… the church often puts older members in their congregation out to pasture. The world may do this as they look for younger people but the church should never do this. These older people are treasures. They have so much wisdom to pass on even if they’re doing it from their recliner or a wheelchair. Let me encourage you to let someone older and wiser be your mentor, even if you’ve been in ministry for years. I’m having lunch in a few weeks with a lady who had a huge impact on my life when I was young. She is about ten years older than me. I want to hear her words of wisdom now, all these years later.
And NEVER EVER think that you are too old to make a difference. Through your godly living, YOU are a CROWN OF GLORY in the Kingdom of God. YOU can impact others. YOU can pass on wisdom. YOU can guide toward godly living. And if you go to a church that doesn’t honor the elderly, then find another place. Because you need to be appreciated, valued, and respected. Hope this encourages you today.