Christian Living

SENIOR SAINTS JUST KEEP MARCHING ALONG

by Charles (Chuck) Robey
06/30/16
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"Now also when I am old and grey headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to everyone that is to come." (Psalms 71:18)

What does it mean to be a "Senior Saint" ? And at what age does one experience the humanistic metamorphic change from being young to turning old ? In times past, one would not qualify for the preverbal "senior citizen" discount, until reaching the age of sixty-five. Now days, being fifty qualifies for this discount, in most stores.

Yes, in today's world, it seems that if you are in your 40s, 50s, or God forbid beyond that age, you are suddenly placed on the shelf of the church library. What a waste of experience or talent (Job 12:12).

If God's principles have not changed (Psalm 71:9), why the secular demographics change ? Simply put, it's a matter of cultural change. In other words, it's just another of Satan's big lies, to avert mankind away from the gospel. The dominion of darkness, Satan, has made it his mission to continue to destroy souls. He has conspired to control all aspects of our lives, including the elderly (Ephesians 6:11-12). However, Satan can be resisted (James 4:7), as he has his limnitations (Job 4:7). That's where we "senior saints" come on the scene, in our Christian witness.  

Nonetheless, from the Christian witnessing perspective, seniors will always have an advantage in their witness of the gospel (1 Kings 3:14) .  Although I may be a bit prejudice, on the subject, for simply being one of them.  God's word is specific in this direction (Deuteronomy 5:33) .

I realize that today's younger generation is very impressive, and I applaud their accomplishments. And with all the attention being given the younger church leadership, it seems as if us seniors should just craw up in that preverbal " Hallelujah " fox hole. However, there is no substitute for experience (Isaiah 40:29)..

So, here's my reasoning, for the "senior saints" to keep marching on with the good news of the gospel.

The  Personal Network- Seniors will always have a much broader base of friends and family. Thus, more chances to witness to others.

The  Community Service- Seniors are more community minded. This puts them at the forefront of "where it's all happening" . Where they are more apt to meet others, out in public.

The  Influential Contacts- Because of being around a bit longer, seniors just know more people, who had rather trust the older generation.

The Better Work Observation- Seniors have the benefit of watching others from afar. And they know which conversation or approach works best.

The Added Experience- The bumps and bruises are over, or should be. So, those who have been around the block more than once will make better decisions in approaching others.

And Taking The Last Shot- Seniors know their time here is limited, so they must be about their "Father's " business.

Remember ! As seniors, our outlook on aging will influence how we feel about ourselves, as well as how we feel about others. As seniors, age is beautiful (Proverbs 20:29). As Seniors, age is good (Job 5:26. And as seniors, age should not be discouraging (Ecc 11:10).

So, get out there "senior saint". Pray to God (Luke 15:16), and talk to folks (1 Cor 12:21). For this old world is full of hurting people (Psalm 142:4), people who are lonely (Psalm 25:16), people in need the wisdom and knowledge of us seniors (Psalm 69:20).

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As a "Civil War" buff, I am intrigued by any civil war history. So, my writing of this blog was prompted by an old marching song, originating in the civil war period. The song then moved forward to the "old time religion" church atmosphere. 

The song was originally written by a famous  civil war era  composer, William B Bradbury (1816-1868), who   composed many church hymns  including   He  Leadeth Me; Just As I Am, Without One Plea; Sweet Hour of Prayer; Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us and My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less, all of which can still be found in hymn books and songbooks today.One of his most famous compositions was a civil war fight  song entitled "Marching Along". This particular song has had  a number of spin offs, down through the annals of time.  

Having grown up in The Salvation Army church, we often sang  the army's rendition of this song entitled "Come, Join Our Army, To Battle We Go",  originally written by William James Pearson (1832 - 1892). This particular  melody continues to be famous among The Salvation Army bands of today.

 So, as "Senior Saints" why not add our own version of this same "Marching Along"  tune. On balance, we  all  are "marching along, regardless of age,   for the advancement of the gospel.

Marching Along,  Marching Along,

The Senior Saints are Marching Along

Grid on the armor, And shout with a song

The Lord is our leader, He's gallant  and strong

Marching Along,  Marching Along

The Senior Saints just keep  Marching Along

Marching Along,   Marching Along

The Senior Saints are Marching Along

The foe is before us, In full battle array

Let us not waver, As we turn them away

Marching Along,  Marching  Along

The Senior Saints just keep Marching Along

Marching Along, Marching Along

The Senior Saints are Marching Along

The flag of our faith, Is floating on high

We'll stand by that flag, Till we conqueryor or die

Marching Along, Marching Along

The Senior Saints just keep Marching Along