Growing old in a mature religion

It didn’t happen to me having a Christian grandfather in both sides of my parents. Had they been Christ’s followers, I could have figured out a pattern in living life and doing ministry. It would have been a great privilege to examine their walk in Christ and ministry perspective that they have developed over time.

There’s a lot of wisdom from older people; enough to learn from their successes as much as necessary to warn us from their failures. We’ve seen great ministers who lived their lives worthy of their calling as well as those who have fallen from the grace of God. It is my prayer that as I grow older, my relationship with God goes deeper. I will separate myself from the world to be holy and righteous for the sake of his cause.

History reveals that the Church of Christ had gone through a painful journey towards maturity. Church dogmas and piety became the way of life of our ancient brethren. We’ve unearthed the fossils of their struggles and the remnants of their successes. Pious people died on orthodoxy while heretics suffered a fatal death for their defiance. The 21st century Christians would say, each has a valid point. To some extent, they have revolutionized our theology and approach in ministry. Christianity is a maturing religion and Christians are maturing in Christ.

I couldn’t help but think how the next generations will interpret our spirituality. In the meantime, I will borrow the psalmist’s prayer:
"Show me, O LORD, my life’s end
and gather the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life." (Psalm 39:4)

Only God knows when I will fail and when I will succeed. He knows my thoughts before I even think about it. I cannot for sure be certain of what’s going to happen to my life in the future. But one thing I know, I have only one life to live; and a legacy to leave. I will continually trust him and surrender to his lordship.

When I look back someday, I will see someone who has loved God and touched people’s lives and a servant who has suffered in the name of King and for the sake of his kingdom. More importantly, I want to be remembered as someone who has grown like Christ through the years and in all circumstances. I look forward to a day when God will finally say, “well done my good and faithful servant”. I am committed to grow up as I grow older everyday in every aspect of my life in any circumstances I had to live.