I don’t think there is another area of life where age is talked about as much as in sports. With an emphasis on the age of a certain player or coach, the analysis is usually based around that. Also, NFL teams have a hard time determining whether they'd rather have an older or younger quarterback because a case can be made for both.
Dak Prescott is 23 years old and leading the Cowboys to the best record in the NFL, while Tom Brady is 39 and still dominating as the Patriots' QB. Meanwhile, 25-year-old Derek Carr continues leading the Raiders to impressive wins (and should make the playoffs), and the 'ole reliable Drew Brees just threw four touchdowns on Sunday at the age of 37.
The point is, we talk a lot about age because we're amazed when a player has success at an age we don’t “expect” them to. We always seem surprised when a player performs well before or after their “prime” years. The reality is, players can have a huge impact on their team regardless of age.
I believe we also emphasize age in our own lives and even allow the number to define us or hold us back. We convince ourselves that we are too old to pursue a dream or too young to have a key leadership role. We think we’re too old to keep playing sports or too young to settle down and get serious about having a family. We let cultural norms dictate when we should or should not do certain things.
As followers of Jesus, however, we must realize that we're never too young or too old to be used by God to impact His Kingdom. In the Bible, Noah, Abraham, and Moses were "senior citizens" when God used them for greatness...while David, Mary, and, of course, Jesus, were in their youth when they did amazing things for His purposes.
It’s important for each of us to obediently seek the Lord as He calls us to do His work - never letting age deter us from the important role we play. Placing value on both the young and old is wonderfully illustrated in the following two verses:
1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT): "Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."
Job 12:12 (NLT): "Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old."
There are advantages to every stage of life. If we are willing, God uses us for His purposes in each of them. Instead of listening to others when they place age limits on us, let's embrace what God is clearly leading us to do. After all, we serve an ageless and powerful God! I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I admit to sometimes allowing my age to limit what I pursue or what I believe I’m capable of doing. I pray that I would follow Your lead and not let fear get in the way of what You’re calling me to do. I pray I wouldn’t get caught up in my age, but recognize You use both old and young while being more concerned about our faith and obedience. Thank you for using me for Your purposes. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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