October 31 | Overcoming Ageism

Series | The Overcoming Life

Scripture | Joshua 14:10-12, “10 “Now then, just as the Lord promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! 11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. 12 Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.”

Lesson 31 | Ageism, “I’m Too Young/Old”

Two things encourage me greatly as a pastor- first, watching the older generation go hard after God and second, seeing the younger generation giving Jesus all their passion!  I love both so much.  I can relate to being “young and on fire” because I accepted Jesus at 18 years old, began preaching by 19, and started my first church at 22.  Nothing was better than me giving the most youthful and vibrant years of my life to God.  I remember being at the beach and seeing how people my age were wasting their lives on spring break while I was able to see souls saved and eternal destinies impacted.

Also, I watched after my parents retired, re-fire and give their free time to winning souls and making disciples.  My Dad is in his late 60’s and my Mom is in her early 70’s however, their age doesn’t matter, they still go out to the local parks in their city and preach the gospel!  They also love bringing people into their home and making new disciples- all glory to God!

Therefore, there are two excuses that need to be thrown back into the pit of hell where they came when it comes to serving Jesus- “I’m too young” and “I’m too old!”  Concerning being “too young” Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”  Plus, the Bible is full of examples of young people doing awesome things for God like David defeating Goliath and John leaving his family to follow Jesus- both were most likely only in their teens!

Regarding being “too old” I love what Caleb basically said in the above passage, “God has kept me alive to take this mountain!”  Boom- take that arthritis!  He didn’t let the promise of God go unclaimed just because 45yrs of his life had pasted and he was 85, he wanted to do all that God called him to do!  Therefore, if you’re not dead- you still have a life to give Jesus (remember Abraham and Moses?!)  Give Jesus all you have until you meet him in heaven because you only have one life to live.  Go out fighting the good fight of faith- winning souls and making disciples, 2 Timothy 4:7!

Do you struggle with serving God because of your age?  If so, pray this out loud, “Father, forgive me for listening to the devil and my flesh and disqualifying myself.  Send me your Holy Spirit to empower me to do all that you commanded! Amen.”

Reflection | Do you think your age disqualifies you from being a disciple that makes disciples?

Action | (1) Repent if you have allowed the spirit of condemnation to prevent you from fulfilling your calling. (2) Be obedient to all that God commanded in His Word until He brings you home- no excuses.  (3) Lastly, take your mountain in Jesus name and fulfill your calling!

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Lamentations 4:1-5:22, Hebrews 2:1-18, Psalm 103:1-22, & Proverbs 26:23. Click here to read online.