Shownotes
Wisdom-Trek / Creating a Legacy
Welcome to Day 1303 of our Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.
This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom
New Wine and Old Skins – Ask Gramps
Wisdom - the final frontier to true knowledge. Welcome to Wisdom-Trek where our mission is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.
Hello, my friend, I am Guthrie Chamberlain, your captain on our journey to increase wisdom and create a living legacy. Thank you for joining us today as we explore wisdom on our 2nd millennium of podcasts. This is Day 1303 of our trek, and it is time for our Philosophy Friday series. Each Friday, we ponder some of the basic truths and mysteries of life and how they can impact us in creating our living legacy.
As we continue on this trek called life, sometimes we have questions about life, so our Friday trek is a time when we can “Ask Gramps.” Gramps will answer questions that you would like to ask your dad or granddad, but for whatever reason, you are unable to. No matter how old we are, I know that all of us would like the opportunity to ask Dad or Gramps questions about life in many areas.
We may mix it up a bit on our Friday episodes, but we will strive to keep them down to earth and enjoyable. If you have any questions that you would like to ask Gramps, please email them to guthrie@wisdom-trek.com
So the question for this week is…
“Hey Gramps, as I observe others growing older, including myself, there seems to be a resistance to change for many people, and they seem to give up on actively impacting the lives of others. As a Christ-Follower, is there a time in our lives where we have done enough and just sit back?”
New Wine and Old Skins
There has never been a better time to be alive, regardless of your age. Life expectancy and quality of life for those who were once considered elderly are greater today than in most of all history. There is very little reason to retire in the sense that we have thought about it for several generations. While you may not continue to work or minister in the same places and in the same manner as you once did, there is no excuse to stop. The old sayings of yesteryear, such as “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” or “He’s old and stuck in his ways,” or “She’s never going to change” no longer need to apply. There is so much new information to learn and put into practice, and there is a little impediment that is age-related.
There is an ingrained, all-too-often-proved-true, prejudice that when we get older, we can't, or won't, change any more. This is despite some great examples in the Bible — like Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and Caleb and that's just the first six books — and some great passages of Scripture that challenge us to keep on changing to become more like Jesus. Listen to 2 Corinthians 4:16, "That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day."
God gives us freedom through the Spirit to kingdom building for Him regardless of age. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 says, "For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image."
Two great examples in the New Testament who are old in years, but fresh and new in faith are Anna and Simeon, who greeted the baby Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem. This story can be found in Luke 2:22-38. I wonder how many asked them, “Why can't you just act your age?” or “When are you going to be more realistic?”
But they kept believing — believing in the vision and the answer to their prayers. Building God’s Kingdom here on earth has little to do with our age, and especially when you are not working full time, then there is more time to focus on helping others that may be struggling. It is a matter of the heart, not your age.
On top of the biblical examples are the modern ones. Here are some examples that I am familiar with. A man who is nearly 82 has been going on mission trips to Ghana and Central America to help with construction and preaching. Sweet sisters from our church who are in their 80s and 90s praying each day for their pastor, friends, and family members.
I have recently read about someone well into his 80s being baptized, as well as a lady who is over 90 who is paralyzed in her legs arranging for her to be baptized with four men helping her. Each of these people was passionate to honor the Lord no matter where that path of honor might lead them.
Youthfulness also runs in my family. At age 80, my great-grandmother (GG) traveled the world and jumped off a diving board. My granny was sled riding with us at 85. Although I am now over 63 myself, I don’t see myself slowing down any time soon. I think that God is just starting to use me for His kingdom. My hope and by God’s grace, is to live to 125 or possibly 150. With today’s medical breakthroughs and the ones on the horizon, this may be possible.
All of these people are proof that you may not be able to put new wine in old wine skins, but new wine can be put in open hearts! Jesus brings that new wine to all who are passionate to honor him and follow him.
It's a matter of the heart, not age!
It's a matter of faith, not experience!
So as we are just starting this New Year and new decade, no matter what age we are, let's make a commitment that we will never quit growing and reaching toward Jesus. Let us not stop making an impact on everyone that God allows to cross our paths. While resolutions may come and go with each New Year, the commitment to grow with Jesus continues right up to the moment we meet him face-to-face.
That is a wrap for today’s question. Join us again next Friday for another question on our Ask Gramps episode. Our next trek is Mediation Monday, where we will help you reflect on what is most important in life. So encourage your friends and family to join us and then come along on Monday for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.
If you would like to listen to any of the past 1302 daily treks or read the associated journals, they are all available at Wisdom-Trek.com. I encourage you to subscribe to Wisdom-Trek on your favorite podcast player, so each day will be downloaded to you automatically.
Thank you for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.
As we take this trek together, let us always:
- Live Abundantly (Fully)
- Love Unconditionally
- Listen Intentionally
- Learn Continuously
- Lend to others Generously
- Lead with Integrity
- Leave a Living Legacy Each Day
I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you on Monday!