Growing old is something that many people fear. If we could, we’d delay it for as long as possible. We’d use every available means to resist it, hide it or make it go away.
In an age of technological advancement, some people even put their hopes in AI to bring longetivity, and possibly, even immortality. If science could just be advanced enough, no one has to grow old anymore. One could live for hundreds of years and still look as young as before.
But if that could be possible, would it truly be a gift? As Christians, how should we look at growing old?
What God Created in the Beginning
In the beginning, God created everything to be good. He did not create human beings to get sick, grow old or die. But ever since sin came, one consequence has been the limitations we experience in our lives.
“For he created all things so that they might exist;
the generative forces of the world are wholesome,
and there is no destructive poison in them,
and the dominion of Hades is not on earth.
For righteousness is immortal.
Life as the Ungodly See It
But the ungodly by their words and deeds summoned death;[d] considering him a friend, they pined away
and made a covenant with him,
because they are fit to belong to his company.”
-Wisdom 1:14-16 (NRSVCE)
Our resistance to growing old, then, is not without a basis because we were not meant to undergo it in the first place.
The Fall and God’s Wisdom
After man sinned, however, God did not see us fit for immortality. In His wisdom, He saw that living forever without holiness would not be a gift anymore but a curse. This was probably why He prevented human beings from eating from the tree of life.
“Then the Lord God said: See! The man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil! Now, what if he also reaches out his hand to take fruit from the tree of life, and eats of it and lives forever? The Lord God therefore banished him from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from which he had been taken. He expelled the man, stationing the cherubim and the fiery revolving sword east of the garden of Eden, to guard the way to the tree of life.” – Genesis 3:22-24 (NABRE)
Our Redemption
God did not drive human beings away from paradise without a plan. From the very beginning, He had a plan for our salvation. And this came through the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Lord to redeem us for eternal life.
Our perspective, then, needs to change from seeing only this earthly life to looking forward to our heavenly home.
“Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.” – Colossians 3:2-4 (NABRE)
Seeing Old Age as a Gift and a Season
In the light of our faith, then, as Christians, we can now see old age from a new perspective. Instead of seeing it as something to avoid at all costs, we can appreciate it as an opportunity to gather blessings for eternity. Instead of coping with old age simply by trying to hide it or extend our youthful looks and strength, we can strive to grow old gracefully.
Here are some of the things that could help you grow old gracefully:
1. Becoming a source of wisdom for others
You can carry your gray hair as a sign not only of old age but of wisdom. Having experienced many things and learned countless lessons, you can guide the young as they begin their life’s journey.
2. Showing radiant inner beauty
While your physical strength may be waning, your inner spirit may be glowing with beauty that can inspire many.
3. Growing in humility
Your golden years can be your golden opportunity to grow in humility. As you accept your limitations, you begin to surrender your life fully to God. You see how truly dependent you are on Him in everything.
4. Exuding peace and serenity of heart
Your younger years may have been spent in constant pursuit of a goal. But your latter years can be spent in quiet contemplation of all your blessings. Gratitude, forgiveness and healing can fill your heart and soul with the kind of peace that can never be easily shaken.
5. Living in a season of deeper love
The young may think of love as excitement, but maturity can teach you how love often runs deeper than the initial thrill. Growing old gracefully is growing ever deeper in love. Love of others and love of God.
6. Lifting one’s gaze to heaven
Growing old with grace is having a vision that sees more than this earthly life. It is lifting your gaze upwards and seeing the incomparable riches and happiness that God has in store for you.
“So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NABRE)
A Season of Letting Go and Letting God
There is a time for everything. A time to dream, and a time to be glad you’ve reached them. A time to be strong in body, and a time to be strong in spirit.
Old age is that appointed time when we can draw closer to God’s heart as we let go of all the things that may be holding us back.
Let go of your fears and your worries. Let go of your resentments and your bitterness. For it is time for the fruits of the Spirit to ripen sweetly within your soul.
Surrender everything slowly into the hands of God, knowing that everything we give, He holds for our sake. We don’t lose anything valuable. We allow God to protect what’s worth keeping and to carry us towards our heavenly home.
“…even to your old age I am he,
even when you turn gray I will carry you.
I have made, and I will bear;
I will carry and will save.”
– Isaiah 46:4 (NRSVCE)
Related post: Love That Conquers Pain: Seeing the Enduring Beauty of Life
Jocelyn Soriano is the author of the book Defending My Catholic Faith.
“Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” – 1 Peter 3:15 (NABRE)
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