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This Week’s Devotional Topic
LONG LIFE & Wisdom Comes From The Journey
Just imagine a world without the wisdom and knowledge of people that are older than you. All of us have friends, family and acquaintances that are elderly. And some of us are in that category. Praise and thank God almighty for those who have lived longer than we have. It would not be wise to ignore the huge ‘data base’ that we all have access to. Taking advantage of that and learning to listen is, in many ways, more valuable than the latest online search engines. And those who consider themselves “elderly” have the privilege and opportunity to share with those who need and appreciate it. Please listen carefully to scripture about this concept.
We are to honor those older than we are.
Ephesians 6:2,3 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”
I Timothy 5:1,2 “Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. Treat older women as you would your mother…”
Elihu honored Job by holding his tongue….
Job 32:6,7 Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said, “I am young and you are old, so I held back from telling you what I think. I thought, ‘Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age.’
Proverbs 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.
Not only is it important that we honor those up in years but it is also very important and valuable for the elderly to share what they have learned and especially what they have seen God do in and around them over the years.
Here is an example of fathers testifying to their children…
Psalms 44:1 To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.
And here is David describing how he understands the importance of sharing details of his experiences with God.
Psalms 71:18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
The wise King Solomon spoke to the importance of wisdom shared by a parent.
I Kings 4:34 And people of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom.
Now hear these words from the wisest person who ever lived.
Proverbs 23:22 Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
Ecclesiastes 7:19 Wisdom gives strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.
Proverbs 8:33 Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.
We need to watch for ‘teachable moments’ while we are around the elderly. Be quick to listen and slow to jump in with your own comments. As we read in James 1:19 “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear and slow to speak…” And if you consider yourself to be an older person then you will be used of God to help so many people if you just watch for YOUR teachable moments. We can ALL be used to help those younger or who have not had the benefit of experience and lessons that we have had. And whatever we do in word or in deed, do all to the Glory of God. Amen.
This week’s Scripture:
James 1:19; Ephesians 6:2,3; I Timothy 5:1,2; Job 32:6,7; Proverbs 20:29; Psalms 44:1; 71:18; I Kings 4:34; Proverbs 23:22; Ecclesiastes 7:19 and Proverbs 8:33
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