This past Sunday we watched as Dr. Charles Stanley talked about “How to Stay Young and Useful (all the days of our lives).”
He says that as long as we are alive we have the responsibility of being fruitful. If, when we retire, we think that we are “finished” our body begins to break down. Psalm 92: 9-15 (from the New Living Translation) says:
Your enemies, Lord, will surely perish;
all evildoers will be scattered.
But you have made me as strong as a wild ox.
You have anointed me with the finest oil.
My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies;
my ears have heard the defeat of my wicked opponents.
But the godly will flourish like palm trees
and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.
For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house.
They flourish in the courts of our God.
Even in old age they will still produce fruit;
they will remain vital and green.
They will declare, “The Lord is just!
He is my rock!
There is no evil in him!”
What is essential to making ourselves young and useful all the days of our lives? Dr. Stanley gives some tips: keep learning (and learning the Word of God), keep loving, keep laughing, leave your cares behind, and a few more. I can say that from my interviews of centenarians (and near centenarians) that there are a few core personality traits that they have in common in addition to what Dr. Stanley lists: be engaged, do as much for yourself as possible, when encountering a difficult situation decide if there is anything that you can do to change it – if not, then let it go.
Watch the video and listen to what he says. Following these instructions will help you to be young and useful all the days of your life.
TUMC Searchers 