Giving to the end

We would all be familiar with the saying, ‘Use it or lose it’! We hear this said, and particularly with respect to our physical bodies as we grow old. However, it holds no less import for our spiritual well-being. In reality, it has far greater importance. As time passes, our physical bodies become less able, but our spiritual vigour can increase right to the end of our lives. When our knees and shoulders begin to fail, we can still be ‘renewed in the spirit of our mind’. Eph 4:23. We can still set our minds ‘on things above’ where Christ is seated. Col 3:2. By this means, we set our hearts to run the race appointed for us. We commit to fully serve the Lord, giving to the end.

The Scripture exhorts us, ‘Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind’. Rom 12:2. This Scripture has many applications. However, older Christians have no need to lose morale as if they are somehow winding down in Christian service, or as if their usefulness is waning. Certainly our bones and muscles will wax old and become weary. However, we are able to maintain our vigour in service to the Lord. And we do this by constantly being renewed in our mind and retaining a giving heart. ‘Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles.’ Is 40:31. As an older and experienced Christian, you must continue to come into the secret place of prayer. You wait on God and travail with the travails of Christ. Others will be ‘on their feet’ working as the Lord grants them renewed vigour. You do not need to run yourself ragged. However, God wants each one to be doing His will, continuing in offering, in an ageappropriate manner.

Many things can impede our progress at this time of life. Let us not run into a limit of offering and fellowship because of age. Unfortunately for some, the years have produced anger and bitterness. However, we cease to believe when we cease to make offering and live in fellowship. This is the story of Cain and Abel. Cain asked ‘Am I my brother’s keeper’? The outcome of this breach between them was that Cain murdered his brother. If we refuse, for whatever reason, to offer, to give to our brother, then we are violating them.

For many Christians, age is simply continued lack of resolution and trauma. They did not continue with the proceeding word and the moving of the Spirit. They loved the old wine rather than the new. However, the kingdom of heaven is like a man who ‘brings out of his treasure things new and old’. Matt 13:52. We need to ensure that our history, that is the old wine, is not at war with the new. We value the old and the new. The illumination of the Holy Spirit is coming to us constantly to reinvigorate us and to enlarge our borders.

David Falk

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Feature Articles
June 2008

Sleepless nights

Alive to praise

How are we sent

Wonders for the dead

Faith for our children

The way of wisdom

Light from darkness

Giving to the end

Gathering all Israel