Pastor Ron Gerl of Ecumen
Pastor Ron Gerl of Ecumen
Our culture and especially our media and advertisements give us the impression that growing older is something that we should be ashamed of. I find nothing in the scriptures that demeans elderhood. On the contrary, there is an attitude of respect, dignity, and an aura of wise leadership edified. During this Lenten season, I have been asked to be a participant in the Lent round robin with four area Lutheran congregations. Our theme has tried to capture the life and faith of Moses. My particular theme has been: ‘Growing old gracefully: Moses passing the mantle of leadership.’ My challenge that has been met with considerable exciting conversation has been to visualize the third stage of life as the dynamic time in which we powerfully serve God. My message has been to inspire third agers to live the resurrection life instead of a path that simply leads to accepting death. One of the themes of the wellness center at Ecumen’s Parmly LifePointes community is ‘to live long and die short.’ I believe that this always has been the message of Moses. Here is a quote from Deuteronomy 34:7 that describe Moses’ fulfilling life, ‘Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died; his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.’ The verse goes on to explain that Joshua received the mantle of leadership by receiving the spirit of life that Moses had and then it says, ‘none (have been) like (Moses) for all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him to do…and for all the mighty power and all the great and terrible deeds which Moses wrought in the sight of Israel.’ Moses lives by and in the grace of God! He served God more completely and more fully in his third age and why can’t we do the same? Why do we let society tell us retirement is the way to go? Why do we permit our culture to dictate life with less dignity as we age? We need to resurrect a new and right spirit within us that God encourages life. We ARE to live life to the fullest with God’s spirit guiding us. Thus doing, we can imitate Moses who himself did ‘live long and die short.’ My suggestions to do this includes:

  • Not winding down but simply shifting gears as we age.
  • Not letting others take over the reins but letting God direct our course.
  • Not disengaging from community but rather taking on new positions of leadership.
  • Not dimming our vision but becoming visionary for our church, community and the world.
  • Not losing touch with the sensual world, but celebrating the physical and spiritual gifts given.
  • Not caving in to limitations but utilizing our strengths no matter how long lived they are.
  • Not rattling around in an empty nest but opening the doors of our minds, hearts, and homes to new ideas, new feelings and new people that God sends our way.

THIS IS LIVING THE RESURRECTED LIFE and keeps us one with God!!!