Gò0dNews for Everyone
Being Fruitful In Old Age
M
by Dorothy Teague
y mother gets up every morning with a
suffering.” These are the attributes we, as Christians,
smile on her face, a list of “to-dos” in her
should be seeking to nurture and grow in our lives.
pocket, and joy in her heart. She works in
Growing old is hard, as we look in the mirror at
her yard, drives to local places, and goes to church
graying hair and wrinkles on our faces. Extra weight
every Sunday, where she tithes out of the meager
is harder to lose, and our bodies don’t work as they
Social Security check she receives monthly. As far back
did in younger days. Ironically, as the body decays
as I can remember, she (and my father) took me and
with age, our spirit grows stronger as it is renewed
my sisters to church every Sunday, having cooked
daily (2 Corinthians 4:16). God’s grace is abundant
Sunday dinner for the whole family early in the
and is there for the asking to keep us going and doing His work. We can become ripe with wisdom from our years walking with God and benefit others with our wealth of experience. If we are pliable, like a lump of clay on the potter’s wheel, and obedient to His will, then He can use us to further His kingdom, to be witnesses for Him, and to tell others of His love and mercy. Even though we may get physically tired, God will renew our strength (Isaiah 40:31). While today’s society may want to cast away the aged and spread the lie that the older generation is no longer of use, God’s word has a dramatically
morning. When someone dies or is sick, she prepares
different viewpoint. In John 15:16, Jesus says, “You did
food to take to them. When asked for advice, she goes
not choose me, but I chose and appointed you so that
to God’s word. My mom is the best example of a godly
you might go and bear fruit, fruit that will last,” and He
woman that I have ever witnessed. The love of Christ
didn’t put an age limit on that. We, as Christians, are to
shines out from her no matter where she is. She is 94
be God’s “fruit-bearers” until we breathe our last breath
and hasn’t even entertained the thought that there is a
on this earth. God’s word assures us that “He who
place for her to stop being useful in God’s Kingdom.
began a good work in you will carry it on to completion
Psalm 92:14 says, “They will still bear fruit in old
until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
fruit?” you may ask. Galatians 5:22-23 says that “the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, and long-
38 // April 2020
About The Author
age; They shall be full of sap and very green.” “What Dorothy Teague is a Tennessee native, who resides in McMinn County with her husband, Lewis, on their farm. After completing 31.5 years as a teacher in the Bradley County School System, she is active in her church at Eastanallee Baptist Church where she is a member of the choir and praise team.
