Wendell Needham had grown old. He was an old man facing Parkinson’s and numerous other physical ailments. Yet, each day he read and study his Bible to learn more. He had been retired from ministry for several years and now struggled to go about life’s daily tasks, but his spirit was vibrant. He led daily devotionals for the residents of the assisted living center, prayed fervent prayers, and talked to whomever he could about Jesus. He longed for his reward with Christ.
Brother Needham is one of many examples I could give of people who grew old physically, but maintained a vibrant, youthful spirit. Our spirits are not bound by age!
James A. Garfield, the former President, said “If wrinkles must be written on our brow, let them not be written on our heart. The spirit should not grow old.”
Our brows gain wrinkles, our hair turns grey (or falls out), our bodies ache, and our faculties diminish; but our inward spirit is not bound by this body.
Paul said, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16). Our spirits can be strong and vibrant despite the fact that our outward bodily housing is deteriorating. John wrote to the beloved Gaius, who apparently was in poor health physically, because John prays that his physical health will match the good health of his spirit (3 John 2).
What is the secret fountain of youth? Paul tells us the secret when he writes, “our inner self is being renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16). We have to feed our spirit daily. When we stay in the Word of God, keep communicating to our Father in prayer, and walk by faith our spirit will thrive. This truth should give us hope! In a world that puts so much emphasis on youth, body shape, outward beauty, and physical health, we can take comfort in knowing that though our outward body will grow old and perish, our spirit can be strong, vibrant, and free. Are you renewing and strengthening your spirit?
