An Honor, Not A Curse

Contrary to popular thinking, God never meant old age to be a curse.  Nor was the physical process of aging meant to be hidden out of embarrassment by the excessive use of cosmetics or cosmetic surgery.  To be old was not meant to be a cause of shame; rather the Bible presents old age as a state to be desired for oneself and honored by others.  Indeed, the only one of the Ten commandments connected with a promise offers long life as the incentive (Exodus 20:12)…

William F. Buckley, Jr.  stated something to the effect that, while a love of life is healthy, a veneration of age is idolatry.  Consistent with that thought, he had observed that Christ would not have died on the cross if he had venerated life.  His point was well taken.  When the Bible speaks of age as a blessing and even a reward, it encourages a love of life, not its worship…

Wrinkles in the face and furrows on the brow can be distinguishing signs of wisdom, to be honored in those who have endured and grown and contributed with their lives, and who now have a distilled reservoir of knowledge to offer those who are still young.

(From the Seniors’ Devotional Bible)