Forever Young

There is a photo of my grandson when he was about 5 years old in our office that I use as a bookmark for devotionals. He was standing on our front porch with a cute grin on his face. It is now 18 years old, and I’ve kept it so long because it helps me remember how sweet and innocent he was as a child.  It also reminds me to pray every day for him and his family. He has gone through many trials, disappointments and upheavals since he and his family moved several states away from Colorado.  I was concerned that those experiences could have hardened and embittered him.  They didn’t.  When he came to visit recently, he was a kind, respectful, caring and responsible young man. There is little doubt that result is attributable to his parents and the fact that God indeed answers prayers.

Obviously, no one stays physically young forever.  However, one’s attitude and behavior can still be like the childlike ones that Jesus uses as a model for “entering into the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 18:3-4) (Mt 19:14).  Jesus certainly practiced what He preached.  He was never cruel, harsh, vindictive or dismissive of people or their problems, even when He was despised and rejected by them (Isa 53:3).

In some ways we are supposed to put away childish things (1 Cor 13:11) which may mean toys and selfishness.  Christians can still be fully functioning adults and be forever young in their curiosity, hope, joy, fun, optimism and forgiveness.  Christ took serious matters like sin and poverty seriously.  However, He himself was never mean, presumptuous, vain, conceited or self-righteous.  He was confident yet humble (Jo 13:3-5).

As we age, let us grow in grace and knowledge like Jesus (2 Pe 3:18) and “…be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Eph 3:9).  But let us also stay forever young in our actions and treatment of all people. 

-Jim Bailey