Growing Old and Being Godly
by Gemma Gardner
Oh, what sad words! Solomon had started out so well, he had sought the Lord for wisdom, and had been walking closely with Him for a long time. But, he had a blind spot. God had clearly commanded His people not to intermarry with the other nations, or else they would be led astray from following Him, and would end up worshipping foreign gods, which would lead to their ultimate downfall. For whatever reason, Solomon ignored this command, and it led to his ruin, and disaster for Israel after his death. When he was old, Solomon was led astray by his many wives, and started worshipping their idols.
I’ve been a Christian for forty-six years mow, and the cry of my heart is that I won’t fall away from the Lord in my old age. There are hidden dangers that come with getting older. Change can seem more of a challenge. I like my routines. I like to be comfortable, and to feel safe, but there can be no safer place than walking in God’s will.
I want to be able to say, with the apostle Paul, who was an old man, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). I know I can’t do it in my own strength, but only through the power and strength the Lord gives.
I feel sad when I read in the Bible how different people went astray from the Lord. I know these accounts are written to instruct us and help us, so that we don’t make the same mistakes. We’ll never be in Solomon’s position, but there will be different perils we’ll face as we grow older, things that can distract us from our devotion to Christ, such as material possessions, wrong relationships, and the desire to be comfortable. But if God comes first in our lives, all these things will take their rightful place, and we’ll be able to hold them lightly, without them holding us captive.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I give You my heart afresh today. I don’t want anything or anyone to come between You and me. I want to do what’s pleasing to You, and live my life in a way that brings honour to You. Please make me faithful to You all the days of my life. In Your Name I pray. Amen.
Gemma Gardner lives in Norfolk with her husband, Dean, who until recently worked at Ellel Grange. They are both part of the Associate Ministry team which Gemma joined after completing the Modular school. Gemma has experienced the Lord`s healing and restoration over many years and longs to see Him healing other broken people. Gemma loves listening to music, cooking, knitting and crochet as well as outdoor exercise. She enjoys playing guitar and singing worship songs.
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