I was listening in on a radio program which got my attention with a quote in the introduction something like "the (corruption?) of prosperity," I forget the exact word used but got the idea, and it went into a discussion about David refusing to speak against his predecessor, Saul, or dishonoring him. I wish I could've paid better attention to the discussion, but I suppose those two tidbits were what I needed to be firmly planted for me to grow on.
Seeking Advice From Older Christians (of All Ages) -- on How to Not Get Old.
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It's probably a little more complicated than that. It's been said that Song of Solomon was written in his youth, Proverbs written as a culmination of the knowledge he garnered in adulthood, and Ecclesiastes written in his old age.
It's not terribly difficult to picture Solomon holding court in his later years desiring to pass on to the next generation a record of the things he had learned. Perhaps that they might not fall prey to many of temptations he himself fell for.
To be sure he had a colorful and varied life, but he always dwelled in peace and never had his kingdom removed from him.
It's not terribly difficult to picture Solomon holding court in his later years desiring to pass on to the next generation a record of the things he had learned. Perhaps that they might not fall prey to many of temptations he himself fell for.
To be sure he had a colorful and varied life, but he always dwelled in peace and never had his kingdom removed from him.
Hey Everyone,
First of all, everyone is welcome to post and "older" is a very relative term. To a 20-year-old, 30 is older; to a 40-year-old, 60 is older; and to the 95-year-olds, I knew someone who trumped them all and lived into the triple digits. So for this discussion, "older" basically means an age or stage in life that one has not yet personally reached.
I had a Grandma who, after going through her list of health problems every time I visited, would always advise me, "Don't ever get old, Seoulsearch (she would use my full name) -- it's terrible."
On the other end of the spectrum, I had another grandparent who always seemed playful and curious, who never struck me as old until the very end, when physical and mental limitations were really starting to show.
Several years ago, I went to visit a friend I've known since we were 5, and we were complaining about basically turning into old ladies. Her son, who was about 13 at the time, really surprised me when he said, "You're not old, Aunt Seoul. You still jump on the trampoline with us, you still go out and do things -- that's not being old." Contrast this with another friend's child, about 17, who insisted, "Don't leave me here with all these old people!" (referring to me and the other adults in the room.)
I have always strived to be like my grandparent whom I saw as eternally young -- and I've come to realize that my own definition of "not being old" means to always try to be willing to try to explore, learn about, or try new things, and find ways to work through problems rather than complaining. But like anyone else, I know time is wearing me down. Ten years ago I took a day trip in which I got up at about 4 in the morning, walked all day, only stopping to eat, and didn't get home until about 2 in the morning.
Last year I took a similar day trip and found I had to take about a 3-hour break in the middle of the day, and I had to head for home much sooner, around 8 PM. Now I certainly don't have this kind of ambition all the time (only for vacations once or twice a year,) but my Grandma's words were ringing in my head, because I was starting to think of how much more comfortable it would be to have just stayed home.
When I was younger, I was all about going to new places and exploring. These days, I'm finding it too much of a hassle due to airline catastrophes, highway traffic I find more and more intimidating, expenses that could be put into savings instead, and, as it has been for a good portion of my life, the challenge of traveling alone (concerns with safety.)
More and more, I keep thinking, it's not worth the cost, trouble, and worry, and that I should just stay home. I don't have the energy levels I once did that canceled out all the noise and uncertainty.
By my own definition I am getting old (losing my curiosity, sense of adventure, and willingness to try.) And I really don't want to if I can change it, because I'd like to try. But I'm also trying to navigate this stage in life the best I can, according to God's direction.
What about all of you?
* How do you define "Getting Old," and is it something you're trying to avoid or delay? How so? Or do you embrace the idea wholeheartedly, and why?
* When you do find yourself "Getting Old" according to your own definition, how do you react? Do you panic and ask God to change things back? Or are you able to accept aging with grace and gratitude?
* What are your best tips for staying healthy and living a good life at any age?
I don't want to be someone who is fighting God over the natural progression of life, but I also don't want to be someone who neglects their health or automatically gives up in (sometimes more imagined than realistic) defeat.
I'm looking forward to hearing people's thoughts and experiences with this!
First of all, everyone is welcome to post and "older" is a very relative term. To a 20-year-old, 30 is older; to a 40-year-old, 60 is older; and to the 95-year-olds, I knew someone who trumped them all and lived into the triple digits. So for this discussion, "older" basically means an age or stage in life that one has not yet personally reached.
I had a Grandma who, after going through her list of health problems every time I visited, would always advise me, "Don't ever get old, Seoulsearch (she would use my full name) -- it's terrible."
On the other end of the spectrum, I had another grandparent who always seemed playful and curious, who never struck me as old until the very end, when physical and mental limitations were really starting to show.
Several years ago, I went to visit a friend I've known since we were 5, and we were complaining about basically turning into old ladies. Her son, who was about 13 at the time, really surprised me when he said, "You're not old, Aunt Seoul. You still jump on the trampoline with us, you still go out and do things -- that's not being old." Contrast this with another friend's child, about 17, who insisted, "Don't leave me here with all these old people!" (referring to me and the other adults in the room.)
I have always strived to be like my grandparent whom I saw as eternally young -- and I've come to realize that my own definition of "not being old" means to always try to be willing to try to explore, learn about, or try new things, and find ways to work through problems rather than complaining. But like anyone else, I know time is wearing me down. Ten years ago I took a day trip in which I got up at about 4 in the morning, walked all day, only stopping to eat, and didn't get home until about 2 in the morning.
Last year I took a similar day trip and found I had to take about a 3-hour break in the middle of the day, and I had to head for home much sooner, around 8 PM. Now I certainly don't have this kind of ambition all the time (only for vacations once or twice a year,) but my Grandma's words were ringing in my head, because I was starting to think of how much more comfortable it would be to have just stayed home.
When I was younger, I was all about going to new places and exploring. These days, I'm finding it too much of a hassle due to airline catastrophes, highway traffic I find more and more intimidating, expenses that could be put into savings instead, and, as it has been for a good portion of my life, the challenge of traveling alone (concerns with safety.)
More and more, I keep thinking, it's not worth the cost, trouble, and worry, and that I should just stay home. I don't have the energy levels I once did that canceled out all the noise and uncertainty.
By my own definition I am getting old (losing my curiosity, sense of adventure, and willingness to try.) And I really don't want to if I can change it, because I'd like to try. But I'm also trying to navigate this stage in life the best I can, according to God's direction.
What about all of you?
* How do you define "Getting Old," and is it something you're trying to avoid or delay? How so? Or do you embrace the idea wholeheartedly, and why?
* When you do find yourself "Getting Old" according to your own definition, how do you react? Do you panic and ask God to change things back? Or are you able to accept aging with grace and gratitude?
* What are your best tips for staying healthy and living a good life at any age?
I don't want to be someone who is fighting God over the natural progression of life, but I also don't want to be someone who neglects their health or automatically gives up in (sometimes more imagined than realistic) defeat.
I'm looking forward to hearing people's thoughts and experiences with this!
I dont like "Getting Old". My body is a wreck. LOL.
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yea remember this was before Jesus ...they all had to keep the 613 commandments (ten of which were only the first ones) whereas Jesus gave us grace, having died for our sins and forgiven us and we only have to remember two. That we love God and love one another. (not FEAR God, but LOVE him)
Jesus did look out for his disciples and mother in their old age ...the ones who were not matyred did live to be old and needing care and he made sure they were provided for (John and mother Mary)
Jesus did look out for his disciples and mother in their old age ...the ones who were not matyred did live to be old and needing care and he made sure they were provided for (John and mother Mary)
Physically I'm old. I began having health problems in my 30s people usually get twice my age.
Mentally I'm mixed. I do a lot of the "I don't get young people" thinking, but I also still play video games and listen to the same type of music I have since I was a teen. Metal.
But I've also matured as well, which has made my life easier. And I think that's something that's easily forgotten as a benefit of aging.
I have a dad whose turned 90 this year. He stayed fairly young even through his 80s, but a tragedy that happened really aged him in recent years.
But he's still driving and spends a lot of time on YT. He was on FB a lot but I think he got tired of being banned all the time. Haha.
I think how you handle aging depends on a few things. Your older friends and family has influence and how they react to getting older, your natural outlook and how much, or little you actually change. I think health plays a part, as well. It's easier to feel younger when you're healthy. And makes the future less scary.
Mentally I'm mixed. I do a lot of the "I don't get young people" thinking, but I also still play video games and listen to the same type of music I have since I was a teen. Metal.
But I've also matured as well, which has made my life easier. And I think that's something that's easily forgotten as a benefit of aging.
I have a dad whose turned 90 this year. He stayed fairly young even through his 80s, but a tragedy that happened really aged him in recent years.
But he's still driving and spends a lot of time on YT. He was on FB a lot but I think he got tired of being banned all the time. Haha.
I think how you handle aging depends on a few things. Your older friends and family has influence and how they react to getting older, your natural outlook and how much, or little you actually change. I think health plays a part, as well. It's easier to feel younger when you're healthy. And makes the future less scary.
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Maybe, but there is also a spiritual principle. Rebellion is deeply rooted in the heart of man. God permits authorities even when they are oppressive and self serving. There is nothing like a boss who is unfair and unjust to expose the rebellious heart. I struggled with this in the last job I had before I retired. The Lord reminded me in His word that I should see Him as my manager, not the man who happened to be in charge. It makes life so much easier. We should also remember that authorities are appointed by God. Does that mean we just let the world oppress us? Do we obey laws that contradict God's word? No. But the fundamantal attitude God requires is obedience.
We should also remember that the church is the authority on earth. In a democracy, we can change the government at election time. The principle is simple enough: pray and obey.
We should also remember that the church is the authority on earth. In a democracy, we can change the government at election time. The principle is simple enough: pray and obey.
we obey God rather than man even though it might cost us (jobs, livelihood)
some churches do not operate as democracy though and you have to be a (paid) member to vote in things or a taxpayer...hard to be one if you dont earn enough to even pay tax, dont have a job or are sick/disabled etc
Obedience was always fundamental in the OT but in the NT Jesus gave us something else...grace and peace and the truth. His command is not to merely obey but to love one another. We show the fruits of the spirit against such things there is no law.
some churches do not operate as democracy though and you have to be a (paid) member to vote in things or a taxpayer...hard to be one if you dont earn enough to even pay tax, dont have a job or are sick/disabled etc
Obedience was always fundamental in the OT but in the NT Jesus gave us something else...grace and peace and the truth. His command is not to merely obey but to love one another. We show the fruits of the spirit against such things there is no law.
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Hey Everyone,
First of all, everyone is welcome to post and "older" is a very relative term. To a 20-year-old, 30 is older; to a 40-year-old, 60 is older; and to the 95-year-olds, I knew someone who trumped them all and lived into the triple digits. So for this discussion, "older" basically means an age or stage in life that one has not yet personally reached.
I had a Grandma who, after going through her list of health problems every time I visited, would always advise me, "Don't ever get old, Seoulsearch (she would use my full name) -- it's terrible."
On the other end of the spectrum, I had another grandparent who always seemed playful and curious, who never struck me as old until the very end, when physical and mental limitations were really starting to show.
Several years ago, I went to visit a friend I've known since we were 5, and we were complaining about basically turning into old ladies. Her son, who was about 13 at the time, really surprised me when he said, "You're not old, Aunt Seoul. You still jump on the trampoline with us, you still go out and do things -- that's not being old." Contrast this with another friend's child, about 17, who insisted, "Don't leave me here with all these old people!" (referring to me and the other adults in the room.)
I have always strived to be like my grandparent whom I saw as eternally young -- and I've come to realize that my own definition of "not being old" means to always try to be willing to try to explore, learn about, or try new things, and find ways to work through problems rather than complaining. But like anyone else, I know time is wearing me down. Ten years ago I took a day trip in which I got up at about 4 in the morning, walked all day, only stopping to eat, and didn't get home until about 2 in the morning.
Last year I took a similar day trip and found I had to take about a 3-hour break in the middle of the day, and I had to head for home much sooner, around 8 PM. Now I certainly don't have this kind of ambition all the time (only for vacations once or twice a year,) but my Grandma's words were ringing in my head, because I was starting to think of how much more comfortable it would be to have just stayed home.
When I was younger, I was all about going to new places and exploring. These days, I'm finding it too much of a hassle due to airline catastrophes, highway traffic I find more and more intimidating, expenses that could be put into savings instead, and, as it has been for a good portion of my life, the challenge of traveling alone (concerns with safety.)
More and more, I keep thinking, it's not worth the cost, trouble, and worry, and that I should just stay home. I don't have the energy levels I once did that canceled out all the noise and uncertainty.
By my own definition I am getting old (losing my curiosity, sense of adventure, and willingness to try.) And I really don't want to if I can change it, because I'd like to try. But I'm also trying to navigate this stage in life the best I can, according to God's direction.
What about all of you?
* How do you define "Getting Old," and is it something you're trying to avoid or delay? How so? Or do you embrace the idea wholeheartedly, and why?
* When you do find yourself "Getting Old" according to your own definition, how do you react? Do you panic and ask God to change things back? Or are you able to accept aging with grace and gratitude?
* What are your best tips for staying healthy and living a good life at any age?
I don't want to be someone who is fighting God over the natural progression of life, but I also don't want to be someone who neglects their health or automatically gives up in (sometimes more imagined than realistic) defeat.
I'm looking forward to hearing people's thoughts and experiences with this!
First of all, everyone is welcome to post and "older" is a very relative term. To a 20-year-old, 30 is older; to a 40-year-old, 60 is older; and to the 95-year-olds, I knew someone who trumped them all and lived into the triple digits. So for this discussion, "older" basically means an age or stage in life that one has not yet personally reached.
I had a Grandma who, after going through her list of health problems every time I visited, would always advise me, "Don't ever get old, Seoulsearch (she would use my full name) -- it's terrible."
On the other end of the spectrum, I had another grandparent who always seemed playful and curious, who never struck me as old until the very end, when physical and mental limitations were really starting to show.
Several years ago, I went to visit a friend I've known since we were 5, and we were complaining about basically turning into old ladies. Her son, who was about 13 at the time, really surprised me when he said, "You're not old, Aunt Seoul. You still jump on the trampoline with us, you still go out and do things -- that's not being old." Contrast this with another friend's child, about 17, who insisted, "Don't leave me here with all these old people!" (referring to me and the other adults in the room.)
I have always strived to be like my grandparent whom I saw as eternally young -- and I've come to realize that my own definition of "not being old" means to always try to be willing to try to explore, learn about, or try new things, and find ways to work through problems rather than complaining. But like anyone else, I know time is wearing me down. Ten years ago I took a day trip in which I got up at about 4 in the morning, walked all day, only stopping to eat, and didn't get home until about 2 in the morning.
Last year I took a similar day trip and found I had to take about a 3-hour break in the middle of the day, and I had to head for home much sooner, around 8 PM. Now I certainly don't have this kind of ambition all the time (only for vacations once or twice a year,) but my Grandma's words were ringing in my head, because I was starting to think of how much more comfortable it would be to have just stayed home.
When I was younger, I was all about going to new places and exploring. These days, I'm finding it too much of a hassle due to airline catastrophes, highway traffic I find more and more intimidating, expenses that could be put into savings instead, and, as it has been for a good portion of my life, the challenge of traveling alone (concerns with safety.)
More and more, I keep thinking, it's not worth the cost, trouble, and worry, and that I should just stay home. I don't have the energy levels I once did that canceled out all the noise and uncertainty.
By my own definition I am getting old (losing my curiosity, sense of adventure, and willingness to try.) And I really don't want to if I can change it, because I'd like to try. But I'm also trying to navigate this stage in life the best I can, according to God's direction.
What about all of you?
* How do you define "Getting Old," and is it something you're trying to avoid or delay? How so? Or do you embrace the idea wholeheartedly, and why?
* When you do find yourself "Getting Old" according to your own definition, how do you react? Do you panic and ask God to change things back? Or are you able to accept aging with grace and gratitude?
* What are your best tips for staying healthy and living a good life at any age?
I don't want to be someone who is fighting God over the natural progression of life, but I also don't want to be someone who neglects their health or automatically gives up in (sometimes more imagined than realistic) defeat.
I'm looking forward to hearing people's thoughts and experiences with this!
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The root of sin is disobedience. What is the big deal about eating fruit? One thing: God said don't do it. I am talking about a fundamental principle and attitude of heart. In fact, obedience is the heart of the gospel. God does not ask people to repent. He commands it.
The difference in the OT is that obedience was to a written code of laws. "Do this and you will live". The gospel declares that unbelievers are dead in trespass and sin. Until we are made alive in Christ, we are not able to obey God. Fallen humanity is rebellious and proud to the core. As soon as restraints are lifted, sin rises up like an ice cube in a glass of water.
Those who are born again have the risen Christ dwellng within. If we will choose Him, He will both lead us in the way we should go and enable us to live in the way that God requires of us. Jesus has already lived the perfect life, doing only the will of the Father. We have His life to draw on in place of the self life we inherit from Adam. Obedience is easy when Jesus is the motivator.
It requires faith. That's just another word for simple trust. The old song, "trust and obey" is still true.
About 2-1/2 years ago, I had pancreatitis. I was very ill. One doctor complained that I was not taking it seriously. About 30% of patients in my age group do not survive. I won't bore you with the details. I can tell you that I was at peace, even though I was in great pain. It was COVID time and visits were strictly limited. I was able to witness to some people, including a doctor whose family is Christian. My now wife prayed for me. The doctor told me that that prayer was answered to the word.
I do not say this to boast. I've never been so ill or in so much pain. Yet Lord Jesus sustained me and I'm 100% now. I'm 72, by the way.
The difference in the OT is that obedience was to a written code of laws. "Do this and you will live". The gospel declares that unbelievers are dead in trespass and sin. Until we are made alive in Christ, we are not able to obey God. Fallen humanity is rebellious and proud to the core. As soon as restraints are lifted, sin rises up like an ice cube in a glass of water.
Those who are born again have the risen Christ dwellng within. If we will choose Him, He will both lead us in the way we should go and enable us to live in the way that God requires of us. Jesus has already lived the perfect life, doing only the will of the Father. We have His life to draw on in place of the self life we inherit from Adam. Obedience is easy when Jesus is the motivator.
It requires faith. That's just another word for simple trust. The old song, "trust and obey" is still true.
About 2-1/2 years ago, I had pancreatitis. I was very ill. One doctor complained that I was not taking it seriously. About 30% of patients in my age group do not survive. I won't bore you with the details. I can tell you that I was at peace, even though I was in great pain. It was COVID time and visits were strictly limited. I was able to witness to some people, including a doctor whose family is Christian. My now wife prayed for me. The doctor told me that that prayer was answered to the word.
I do not say this to boast. I've never been so ill or in so much pain. Yet Lord Jesus sustained me and I'm 100% now. I'm 72, by the way.
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