Older men are to be . . .worthy of respect. —Titus 2:2
“Worthy of respect” is the quality of being honorable, reverent, and appropriately serious. Our lives include plenty of opportunities for appropriate fun and laughter. But not all moments are like that. Life is to be taken seriously—not devoid of joy and cheer and yet not flippantly either.
That’s why Paul urged all believers to “walk with decency” (Rom. 13:13), “making the most of the time” (Col. 4:5). We’re called to live in a way that is fitting for those who belong to our God.
One of the benefits of getting older is (or should be) a rising awareness of eternity, which ought to color everything about our life. Things look different when we adopt that view. We have reason for being less ruffled, hurried, and dramatic. We can be more at peace.
Heaven is near and nearer—enabling us to carry ourselves with quiet confidence and to walk in awe of the One in whose presence we live. And far from making us morose or prudish, this way of thinking and living leads to the highest, purest joy.
Make it Personal
As you go about your daily life, do you have an awareness of eternity? How can you practice thinking this way?