Life is not about themselves but about loving others. Older folks are better listeners and softer around the edges and have nurtured an empathy and understanding that comes only through learning to count others as more important than themselves (Phil. 2:3). With a humble dependence on the Lord, there results a steadfastness, a resilience, an adaptability, a peace, an inner joy that is not swayed by changing circumstances. Pride takes years, decades, a lifetime to overcome.

Another year older, another year wiser! I hear this more often on my birthdays now, and it’s probably just a nice way for people to say I’m getting older. But there is biblical truth here: “The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair” (Prov. 20:29). As we age, we gain in splendor—in wisdom, experience, and maturity. The blessing and call then is found in passing this wisdom down to the next generation: “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come” (Ps. 71:18).

Mentorship

A unique form of discipleship that can be a helpful adjunct to formal counseling is found in mentorship—having a more experienced, wiser, usually older brother or sister walking alongside to provide guidance and develop faith and maturity (Titus 2:1-10). In Scripture, we see this in the examples of Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, Naomi and Ruth, Paul and Timothy, as well as Jesus and the Disciples. What are some ways a mentor can be a positive influence?

Perspective

With age comes experience. Successes, failures, joys, trials—the ups and downs of life lead to a perspective that evolves with time. Paul’s call for older men to be sober-minded (Titus 2:2) speaks to those who have seen and tasted the futility of worldly pursuits and distractions and now have a clear view that Christ is better. Priorities have grown to be in line with biblical teaching. From this flows a right balance where family, work, ministry, recreation, and rest are wisely lived out in a proper equilibrium. What is truly worthwhile and of eternal value is pursued daily with passion and joy.

There can be a certain recklessness in youth as the temptations and pull of the flesh and the world leave a short-sighted view of what brings true contentment. That is why the older are called to urge the younger toward self-control (Titus 2:5-6).

Humility

With age also comes what the Bible calls wasting away (2 Cor. 4:16). 

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