Fear Not Ageing, Pain nor Dying

Fear Not Ageing, Pain nor Dying

From the desk of Rev Tay 12 January 2025

“Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.” (Titus 2: 2)

        This verse urges all saints not to stop the pursuit of holiness in their twilight years. Don’t think that the tempter is not interested in old Christians. The tempter never misses any child of God. Elderly saints are not to let their guard down.

        First, be temperate, do not indulge. It is easy for elderly retirees to fall into indulgence, for at the back of their mind it is time for them to enjoy life.

        Be worthy of respect. Dress with the dignity of an elderly, and throw away clothes that are way past your age. Speak with discretion and not too much.

        Be self-controlled. Exhibit prudency, composure, and wisdom. Avoid being impulsive, grumbly and boastful. Lack of self-control is a common reason many elderly people weep over the loss of their lifelong savings to scammers.

        From these three reminders, we derive three practice lessons. First, elderly saints are not to fear ageing. Frankly, we do not need people to tell us we look younger than our age. But we want them to see that though our back is hunched and our memory is fading, our soul is evergreen, and we feel useless or lament that life is meaningless. Instead, we spend every drop of your remaining vitality to build up your home and your church alongside the young generations.

        Then, elderly saints are not to fear pain. Cry out to the Lord when pain becomes unbearable. The Lord assures us that His grace is sufficient for us (2Cor 12:9); He also prepares the mercies we need for that day every morning (lam 3:22); He will not let us endure pain beyond our limits (1Cor 10:13). Moreover, your patient waiting for the Lord’s deliverance will be a precious inheritance for your offspring.

        Lastly, elderly saints are not to fear dying. Death is not the end of our life. It is the end of pain, tears and the burden of sin. We have such great confidence because the Lord Jesus has tasted death before we do, and he is alive! He tells us not to fear dying. Through the Holy Spirit that dwells in us, he said, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Because I live, you also will live. Peace I leave with you; I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:17-19,27) Thus we know, at the moment of dying, you will be surprisingly fearless and painless, for the Lord is there with you.