The older we get, the more we may question our relevance. Our relevance in society, to our children, our work. Is what we know still relevant for today? Is our only relevant role now to pass the torch to the younger generation as a mentor?
When we look in the mirror, we cannot help but see gray hair, wrinkles, sagging skin. Or maybe that's just me.
Companies make millions of dollars on products so we can appear youthful. We work out at gyms, take 'magic' pills, go on strange diets all in the name of youth. Some even go under the knife to take a few years off.
This is not a message of condemnation about the efforts to restore our youth, though. I've done my fair share and I'm sure I'll do more.
But how does God see me?
But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7 bold added)
Because the Lord does not see the outward appearance he does not see our aging faces. He doesn't see our bodies sag. He doesn't see us in the same way we see ourselves or the way we see others.
If we know this, then it has to be the heart and the mind that are His measure of youth. He measure youth in a completely different way then we do. He looks at the inside.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:2-5 bold added)
According to this scripture, it's possible the our youth can be renewed. We know because time doesn't stand still here on earth that can't infer we can turn back the clock on our physical bodies. This is referring to our spiritual renewal. The Psalmist says we do this by remembering his benefits. That's the only thing we have to do. The rest is up to Him. How wonderful! We just have to receive forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, mercy, good. An amazing gift. We receive renewing youth BY receiving the gifts he has for us. No striving or performing requested or required.
Do not be conformed by this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2 bold added)
Again the word renew is the focus. Above we explored how our youth can be renewed by Him. Here our mind is renewed. Our mind has to work differently than the world says. The subjects and information that the world says is important will not renew our minds. This is only by the Holy Spirit that can be accomplished.
I'm not suggesting we should be ignorant to worldly events and subjects. But they will not transform us. They will not renew our minds. Only the Holy Spirit can do this. He is the guide for discerning what is good, acceptable and perfect.
I believe that the way we 'look' at one another, as old or young, is changing. The wise are now as the young and the young revivalist are as the wise, and vice versa.
The relationship of mentor and mentee (or protege) is changing. We are all mentees and the Holy Spirit is the Mentor.
And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. Hebrews 8:11
The young, on-fire relevant person is you! No matter what age you are or how worn-out your physical body. Because God does not see our outside covering, it's the inside that He values.
The renewing of our minds is the measuring stick for youth. Our hearts filled with a new compassion for those in our path transforms us.
It is imperative that we meditate on His word and we allow the Holy Spirit to transform our heart and mind daily. This is the only way the new and fresh ideas that the Lord wants us to implement and understand will resonate. This is the only way we truly remain relevant.
