Finishing Well (4)
A few more thoughts on finishing well are in order. The next concept that has been working on me a bit as I try to avoid obsolescence and old fogie status is this: Invest much in the younger generation.
This is of course a command from the Lord as texts like Psalm 78:1-8 and 2 Timothy 2:2 and 2 Timothy 3:14-16 would make pretty clear. But that said, I would add that it is this very investment of time, energy, and love that I believe keeps us fresh and connected and able to finish well.
It's energizing being around those who are younger and who are vibrant in faith and in the fear of God. And it's invigorating to be able to pass on to others what God has entrusted to us. We're going to be hearing a lot about this over the next few Sundays, so I'll not add much here.
I'll say only this: By the grace of God I want to be always investing in those younger than me. It'll keep me sharp. It'll keep me fresh. It'll keep me focused. It'll keep me aware that what it is all about is way bigger than, and will be around long after, me.
Folks: find someone youunger than you and (as we're going to hear Sunday) dazzle them with the glory of God. In the process you'll be dazzled and invigorated and thrilled all over again!
Your leaf won't wither and your faith won't fade.
P.S.-as for Peter's question yesterday regarding who the younger leaders are today from which we older guys can learn, I have begun to find them among my children (and other young blood in the church here), in my family of churches (younger guys like Jeff Purswell, Pete Greasley, Jarrod Mellinger, Chris Patton, Steve Cassarino, and others), along with guys like Mark Driscoll. I'm sure there are others that I haven't yet tapped into, but these guys are already having an effect. I'm learning from their models, their passions, their skills, their zeal.
Anyone have any other suggestions?
This is of course a command from the Lord as texts like Psalm 78:1-8 and 2 Timothy 2:2 and 2 Timothy 3:14-16 would make pretty clear. But that said, I would add that it is this very investment of time, energy, and love that I believe keeps us fresh and connected and able to finish well.
It's energizing being around those who are younger and who are vibrant in faith and in the fear of God. And it's invigorating to be able to pass on to others what God has entrusted to us. We're going to be hearing a lot about this over the next few Sundays, so I'll not add much here.
I'll say only this: By the grace of God I want to be always investing in those younger than me. It'll keep me sharp. It'll keep me fresh. It'll keep me focused. It'll keep me aware that what it is all about is way bigger than, and will be around long after, me.
Folks: find someone youunger than you and (as we're going to hear Sunday) dazzle them with the glory of God. In the process you'll be dazzled and invigorated and thrilled all over again!
Your leaf won't wither and your faith won't fade.
P.S.-as for Peter's question yesterday regarding who the younger leaders are today from which we older guys can learn, I have begun to find them among my children (and other young blood in the church here), in my family of churches (younger guys like Jeff Purswell, Pete Greasley, Jarrod Mellinger, Chris Patton, Steve Cassarino, and others), along with guys like Mark Driscoll. I'm sure there are others that I haven't yet tapped into, but these guys are already having an effect. I'm learning from their models, their passions, their skills, their zeal.
Anyone have any other suggestions?
Labels: christian life, Old(er) Age, Retirement
posted by Tim Shorey at
12:45 PM
2 Comments:
I was just wondering if anyone here is familiar with Matt Chandler and his ministry?
He pastors at The Village Church in Houston, Texas.
...would love any feedback...
I can point out that by John Piper's invitation, Matt Chandler was one of the speakers at the most recent Desiring God Pastors Conference held this past February. Here's the link------
http://www.desiringgod.org/Events/PastorsConferences/Archives/2009/Invitation/
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