A Life Worth Having Lived

My wife likes to giggle at my gray hairs. Particularly because those random grays seem, for some reason, to grow so much faster than the rest of my hair. This is especially true of my beard, where I've simply stopped pulling them out, because when I do, they simply come back and bring friends. I used to tell my kids I had named each of my gray hairs after one of them, except, now that I have more grays than children, that, too, is a losing battle.

As I've grown older (though I am still reasonably young), I've learned quite a bit about life -- at least, I like to think I have -- and about growing older. I've learned that aging isn't by itself a noble thing. Everyone ages: good or evil, wise or foolish. Where I once believed the old saw that "wisdom comes with age," I now understand that foolishness knows no expiration date.

Proverbs 16:31 says,

The silver-haired head is a crown of glory,
If it is found in the way of righteousness.

As a kid, I was made to understand the first part of this statement. Most of us were. "Respect your elders," we were told. But, as we read on, we see that age itself is not an indicator of worth or worthiness. Age is an indicator of the time we've spent on this planet. The value of our lives lies in what we've done with that time. If we have pursued God, and the Way of His Will, we have lived a life worth living. We have not wasted our days and years. We have made the most of what He has given us. If we have done that, we have earned those gray hairs in the best possible way, and they reflect the glory of a life well lived. 

I believe this is what Paul meant as he wrote to Timothy and reflected on the end of his own life. 

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

A life given to God is a life worth living. And a life worth having lived.  

Red Meat, With a Tall Glass of Milk

When it comes to teaching the Scriptures, both Paul and Peter talk, in their letters, about spiritual milk. Of course, as babies, milk is the only sustenance we can consume. Sure, there are substitutes, but medical science has shown time and time again, that when it comes right down to it, there is nothing better in those first days than mother's milk (seems like God may have known what He was doing after all, right?).

Even as we grow and are able to consume solid foods, we continue our consumption of milk because it strengthens our maturing bones. Into adulthood, we find we need those solid foods to stay fit and healthy -- but if you drop milk from your diet, you need to find another source of calcium or risk the deterioration of your bones.

In the same way, Paul tells us when we're growing in Christ, we start off needing milk: the basics of the faith (1 Cor. 3:1-2). But it isn't enough to sustain us as we grow. At some point, we consume the solid food of deeper teachings and theology. Or at least we should (Hebrews 5:11-14).

But, even as we grow in Christ -- even as we learn those deeper lessons and increase our understanding -- it is good to remember the basics. Christ, as Paul said, and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2).

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. ² Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, ³ now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. (1 Peter 2:1-3)

I'm nearly 35 years old, and I still crave milk. Don't get me wrong: I love solid food. Red meat, breads and vegetables. But sometimes, nothing will do but a tall glass of cold milk. It's true for food, and it's true for Scripture. 

As an adult Christian, I love the deeper aspects of our faith. I love learning theology and discovering the mysteries of God as I grow in my walk with him. But sometimes, nothing satisfies my hunger for God like a refresher in the basics. To start my day with the milk of His majesty and great love for even somebody as small as I am. 

Don't ever let anyone tell you the red meat of deep theology is unimportant. As children of God, it is our duty to understand His words and works. But at the same time, don't ever get so caught up in the red meat of philosophy that you forget to drink up the Milk of His love and grace.