Perhaps many of these characteristics are developed in every person, Christian or not, as they grow older, but I would maintain that there is something distinctly unique about an aging believer that gives an added depth to these things. Here are a few of the reasons why I not only enjoy, but am challenged by just being in relationship with older Christians.

For the vast majority of my life, I’ve been blessed to be part of congregations that have been multi-generational in nature. When I was a kid, for example, I remember distinctly worshiping alongside and being taught in Sunday School by all different ages of people.

Admittedly, there have been moments, particularly in my late teenage years, when I knew everything. Understood everything. Was passionate about everything. And in those days, I more than a few times looked down my nose at these older saints and shook my head at their seemingly lack of everything I seemed to know about the nature of worship, theology, and the Bible. You know, because I had read two books and listened to Christian music.

Even during those days of dramatic self-importance and focus, the Lord was faithful to use these more seasoned believers in my life. As I am steadily moving toward becoming one of “them”, I’m ever more thankful to be around older Christians. Perhaps many of these characteristics are developed in every person, Christian or not, as they grow older, but I would maintain that there is something distinctly unique about an aging believer that gives an added depth to these things. Here are a few of the reasons why I not only enjoy, but am challenged by just being in relationship with older Christians:

1. They don’t seem to have anything to prove.

We spend so much energy on a daily basis trying to justify ourselves. We do it at work. We do it at home. We do it even in casual conversations. We want to make sure we slip in the clever comment at the right time, make sure we cozy up to the right person, make sure we are recognized for our contribution. We live in a near constant of trying to prove ourselves, ironically, even to people who are not asking us to. We have a compulsive need to justify our very existence.

This, it seems, is something an older Christian has moved passed. At least mostly moved passed. Perhaps that’s just because they are older, but I suspect it is more deeply attributed to the fact that they have lived for some time with the glorious truth of their acceptance in Christ. And if I have been brought close to God based on the sacrifice of Jesus, then what do we have left to prove anyway?

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