Crazy Grandpa

You shall be careful therefore to do as the Lord your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess. (Deuteronomy 5:32-33 ESV).

I’m sure you’ve seen this shirt advertised or referenced on one of the social media sites you may visit from time to time. Being a grandpa myself, and mostly crazy, I’m sure the meme fits the situation for all of my grandchildren. Perhaps more truth could be found in changing the reference from “grandpa” to “grandma” in our case. Mary is neither tolerant nor patient toward anyone who would even slightly threaten her children or grandchildren. Restraint is not a description that could be applied in such a situation. That began the formation of a thought for today’s devotional. When Moses was given the Law, God instructed him to explain to the people of Israel that all of these things were designed “…that it may go well … and that they might live long in the land” (v. 33). There is no doubt that God wants our lives, however long they may be, to be “abundant” (cf. John 10:10). So, why is it that so many dread aging? Mature, seasoned, senior—no matter what word is used, the message conveyed by these words is “old.” Scientists differ on the matter of when humans stop growing in their lifetime and start the process of becoming old. Some pessimists would say that a person begins dying as soon as he or she is born. A lot of things can make it difficult, even miserable, to grow old — deteriorating health, the death of friends and loved ones, losing touch with society, financial difficulties, and more. Changes like these are hard to cope with, but the Scripture reminds us they are temporary. We can age gracefully if we have an attitude of recognizing that “inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” The Bible talks about long life as a reward for obedience to God. The wisdom of Solomon adds that “gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness” (Proverbs 16:31). If one is able to lead a life of righteousness in Christ, growing old is an honor. I pray that our older readers may live a life that is pleasing to God and filled with blessings. I also pray that the younger generations will honor them, learn from their experience, and praise God for their witness and example (cf. Matthew 5:16). More than anything, I pray that all of us recognize the blessing God gives to us in each day of our lives.