“Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.” 1 Timothy 5:9-10 -> me: I know that Paul is talking about widows here but I my primary takeaway, personally to my walk, is about how age can bring wisdom, dedication, and resilience against temptation.
There are just things that a life filled with experience can bring in a person’s set of variables they use in decision making, trustworthiness, and steadfastness. When you bring this age together with a walk of faith that leads to good works, you find a formidable Christian and follower of Jesus Christ that can have a tremendous impact on your church and the body of believers in it. This does not mean I should discount younger believers, but it does mean that an older believer can add attributes and contribution that is well informed and tested.
I really like this list of character traits Paul calls out as they can be applied to any believer’s evaluation of fruit. I turn 50 years old next month, yet I still have so much to learn about being in fellowship with my Lord and Savior.
Just in the last 3 days I have had to relook at how I contribute to my home, my wife, and my children. I have become complacent in my focus on these precious people who mean so much to me. My selfishness, attitude, and pride can get the best of me and I pray that the Lord continues to show me my weaknesses through His word and Holy Spirit, that I might become the man my wife and children deserve in a husband and father.