Keep going for God!

They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing.— Psalm 92:14

A familiar saying goes something like this: "Old age is a matter of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter!"

That must have been John Kelley’s attitude. Kelley, who died in 2004 at the age of 96, ran in 58 Boston Marathons (that’s 26.2 miles each time) — including his last one in 1992 when he was 84 years old.

Kelley’s remarkable feat is a reminder to each of us that we must stay active as long as we can. Far too many folks hit middle age and put the body in neutral. And Christians too often put their service for Jesus Christ in the same inactive mode.

Each of us has a responsibility to God, as long as He gives us physical and mental strength, to work heartily "as to the Lord" (Col. 3:23). We are never called to retire from life and coast home to heaven.

The psalmist said that the righteous "shall still bear fruit in old age" (Ps. 92:14). For those who are physically able, that means continuing in active service. For those who can no longer move about, that means being active in prayer and in quiet service.

Let’s make sure old age doesn’t stop us from bearing fruit. We need to keep going for God. — Dave Branon

Growing old but not retiring,

For the battle still is on;

Going on without relenting

Till the final victory’s won. — Anon.

READ: Psalm 92

To stay youthful, stay useful.

The Bible in one year:

• Judges 4-6

• Luke 4:31-44