Becoming Irrelevant?

I joined my first biblically based church at age 30. By then I had been a follower of Jesus for four years and was the mother of two. In my 15 years there, the pastor would occasionally emphasize that no matter one’s age, retirement from serving God was not an option. He would encourage the 50+ crowd to mentor younger believers, get involved in leadership, and share the experiences and wisdom of their age.

I enjoyed those messages because, first all, I felt we younger ones needed more “white-hairs” involved in sharing the load with us. I also appreciated his message because I planned to become one of those older people who stayed involved in ministry my entire life.

As the years passed, and the challenges of life intensified, I have cherished the many opportunities to serve Jesus while growing in my relationship with him through His Word, and especially by the encouragement of mentors and teachers. Through His grace, my heart for evangelism, discipleship, and teaching has not diminished with the passage of time. I still want to be effective for the Kingdom, even as a “white-hair” (under all the hair dye).

So, what’s my point?

Recently, I read a comment from a 20-something girl who wrote that she wished her Bible study leaders were not all “old ladies.” Ouch!! To her, anyone over 40 is old, I get that. Still, her comment gave me pause.

Am I irrelevant in today’s Church?

Has our culture’s focus on youth, beauty and notoriety made me exiguous? Has my age, not-so-hip viewpoints, and dogged emphasis on the value of prayer and Bible study causing others to dismiss what I may have to offer?

I can remember when President Kennedy was assassinated. I suppose that puts me out of touch with those who were in elementary school during 911.

I can Twitter, Facebook and text with the best of them; I have created websites and use a Mac -- does that give me relevancy? Probably Not.

But this I know. No matter how ancient I become ...
… I will continue to share with anyone who will listen, the joy of knowing Jesus my Lord.

… I will purpose to be open to God’s Spirit to help someone see their value, potential, and relevancy in a world that mocks our Savior ... and us ... because of Him.

… I will endeavor to give glory to my Savior for all He has done for me.

… I will not, as long as God wills, allow others who think I’m irrelevant, to put duct tape over my mouth or dry up my pen to keep me from expressing what I believe God has called me to do; that is, to exhort by the Word of God, encourage with grace and compassion, and teach truth to anyone who is willing to listen.

Remember these folks?

• Abraham’s wife, Sarah, was chosen by God at age 90 to give birth to Isaac, who would become the patriarch of the 12 tribes of Israel. She was relevant to the lineage of Christ.
• Moses was hand picked by God to free his people from slavery at age 80. His relevancy was in his obedience.
• Joshua was 60 and Caleb 80 when they led God’s people into the promised land. They were relevant in establishing a homeland into which our Savior would be born.

Relevancy has no age limit.

I heard somewhere: “As long as you have breath you have purpose.” I like that. It has encouraged me to focus more on Christ in me, than on the flesh that covers my bones.

Psalm 92:14-15 reads, The righteous will … flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.’

The righteous (those who are followers of God) can count on being like a fresh, young green plant in old age, still being fruitful for the kingdom; still proclaiming the praises of their Lord in His Church. I’m so grateful that God doesn’t pull up our roots and toss us out after age 50.

If your wrinkles are showing and you’re feeling useless, ask God to give you a plan to share the wisdom you’ve gained from your life with younger folks. Most of them long for someone who would encourage them on the rough road of life in pursuit of their own relevance.