We were eating our eggs and bacon at a men’s Bible study, reading Joshua 18, when I kept going back to something Joshua asked the people: “How long will you be slack about going in and taking possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given you?"
Remember, Joshua was one of those brave spies in Numbers 13. Back then, he would have been about forty, part of that original group sent to scout the land. Now, he’s an old man.
And yet, it doesn't sound like he's softened his passion. He still speaks with urgency and fire. As the leader, he expects that God’s people should step forward into their promise.
That means a lot to me in part because I’ve heard the warning several times in my life, “Just wait until you get older.” As if age automatically drains your joy.
But I don’t think that’s the way it has to be.
I’ve been fortunate to know many older saints who didn’t just get older; they grew older. Sure, their bodies slowed, but their joy didn’t fade away. If anything, their joy and love for God deepened. It became more rooted in God’s faithfulness and less dependent on circumstances.
Everyone gets older. That part is true and automatic. But growing older is a choice.
Growing older means you keep saying yes to God’s movement in your life. It means you keep stepping into what God has for you.
Listen to Joshua’s question again: How long will you be slack…?
As you reflect on it, try to hear it as an invitation to God's abundant life even now because aging isn't the danger. Settling for anything other than God is the danger of life.
And, as you keep getting older, let your prayer be, “God, keep me growing.”
Stay blessed...john
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