Old Age And Bearing Fruit

Here’s a saying we’re all familiar with: “Old age is a matter of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter!” This must have been John Kelley’s attitude. Kelley, who died in 2004 at the age of 97, competed in a record 61 Boston Marathons (that’s 26.2 miles each time) — including his last one in 1992 when he was 84 years old.

Kelley’s remarkable feat is a reminder to each of us that we must stay active as long as we can. Far too many folks hit middle age and put the body in neutral. And Christians too often put their service for Jesus Christ in the same inactive mode.

Each of us has a responsibility to God, as long as He gives us physical and mental strength, to work heartily “as to the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). We are never called to retire from life and coast home to heaven.

The Psalmist tells us that the righteous “shall still bear fruit in old age” (Psalm 92:12-14). For those who are physically able, that means continuing in active service for the Lord. For those who can no longer move about, that means being active in prayer and being a faithful Christian example.

Beloved, let’s make sure old age doesn’t stop us from bearing fruit!

"Growing old but not retiring,
For the battle still is on;
Going on without relenting
Till the final victory’s won." —Anonymous

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets