January 28

Crowns of splendour

“So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come” - Psalm 71:18 ESV

As our political parties jostle for votes and position much of their rhetoric in the public arena is about the place of older people in the community. Some of this stems from legislative changes that have taken place regarding retirement age and the ensuing issues of pension eligibility, and care for the frail and sick. For me, it highlights an even more fundamental question of what value do older people have in society today? We have a responsibility to be sensitive to their needs and have the right systems in place to protect and care for them as they become frail.

Getting older is one of those inescapable realities of life. I imagine we all want to believe that our lives hold meaning and purpose for their duration, not just for our younger, formative and energetic years. Yet today’s culture celebrates, and immortalises, youth. Consider the range of anti-ageing products on display in a well-known chemists —blenders, concealers, fillers and, Botox to re-plump. For mainstream society getting older is considered with a sense of dread – not as a valuable, worthwhile part of life’s journey.

As Christians we need to lead by example on this topic, regardless of whether that’s popular. We need to make sure that we truly value and engage those in our community who are at the later stages of their lives.

There's a story of a delegation of representatives visiting the United Kingdom from an Asian country where the church was flourishing and attracting thousands of young people. Asked what they thought of the United Kingdom’s Christian scene, the answer was surprising. “Your churches are full of old people,” they said. “It’s wonderful!”

Explaining their response, the Asian rep's said they thought it wonderful because it indicated that, rather than being something young people grew out of as they matured, the Christian faith could sustain people through a lifetime. Far too often Christians view older congregation members in a way that can be perceived as negative, whereas in reality older people are a sign of hope, and have a well of life experience that can be tapped.

Clement of Alexandria said, “We may not be taken up and transported to our journey’s end, but must travel thither on foot, traversing the whole distance of the narrow way.”

It is important that as a community we take time to consider the role that older people play and how we can find ways to give them the value and honour they deserve—not just for how long they contribute to the economy.

There is a great line in one of the verses in the book of Proverbs: “Grey hair is a crown of splendour.” What a difference would take place if this kind of thinking started to underpin the way that getting older was viewed by our government, and society today.

Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver presents “Let My Life Be A Light.” Click on the picture to listen.