Great Idea by Josh
Etter.
I have so many
great memories of my grandfather (Gugga) and grandmother (Guku/Mama). My Grandparents impacted me in huge ways and their
influence is like nuclear energy. In
February I finally got the chance to visit them after about ten years of being away. I was so refreshed and inspired by their godliness, wisdom, and
love. I even had a chance to drive my
Gugga to the doctor’s for his monthly check-up. Our time together overwhelmed me with such
great joy and my cup is still overflowing.
You know what, I
can say the same for the many “elders” in my church through the years. I pray that my younger, same-aged, and
slightly older peers experience the same.
It is so awesome, in words inexpressible, to have someone older to
lovingly walk alongside with in life.
But as much as they give to us, we should also give back to them. It’s an amazing paradox.
Charles Spurgeon
writes:
Some are
like the sun going down in the west; they will be gone soon. Serve them, dear
brethren. You that are in health and vigour, comfort them, strengthen them, and
help them all you can. Be a joy to that dear old man, who has been spared to
you even beyond the allotted threescore years and ten, and praise God for the
grace that has upheld him through his long pilgrimage. Look on his grey hairs
as a crown of glory; make his descent to the grave as easy as you can. He once
was as young as you are; he once had the vigour that you have. Console him,
cheer him, give him the respect that is due to his many years. Do not let him
feel that you consider him an old fogey who lingers, superfluous, on the stage;
but learn from his experience, imitate his perseverance, and ask God to be with
you in your old age, as he is with him.
Excerpted from
Charles Spurgeon's Own FuneralSermon.
Original Source: http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/serve-and-respect-the-elder-saints
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