Monthly Article by Dr. Bryan J. Hult www.renewingtruth.blogspot.com Feel free to use my content, but please give credit to my work.

Copyright 2011 Dr. Bryan J. Hult An ism that Needs to Go February 2011 Im really not that way, I think we would all declare. Im not a sexist nor am I a racist, we would respond indignantly. Both of these are sinful and while many struggle in these areas, a growing Christian is going to know both of these are sins. If someone called you of sexism or racism, you would know you have been put down. Websters dictionary defines a sexist is one who economically exploits and/or socially dominates members of one sex by the other, normally men over women. Additionally, a racist is one who programs or practices discrimination, segregation, persecution and domination over a person of another race. Both of these are sins. They are an affront to the holiness and unity of the Trinity, our God as Creator. Paul writes, There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.1 If there is equality in the body of Christ and the body is called to reach out to the rest of the world, there is no room for sexism or racism ever. I do not think you would disagree. There is another ism that is wrong. It has to do with our obsession with youth and being youthful. In other words, we dont want to be considered old. Its not that we dont like older people. Its that we dont want to consider ourselves as growing old. What ism am I referring to? Ageism. We despise ageism. We dread turning 30.We dont want to be declared, over the hill! We jokingly go to 40 year old birthday parties dressed in black, because its supposed to be a sign that life is over. Many businesses will not hire someone who is in their fifties, because they might not have much left in them. Advertising is all about youthfulness. If something refers to those who are older, its all about how he or she can still be youthful. We invest a tremendous amount of money to hide our age as if there is something wrong with growing old. Look at our own church budget. We invest far more into our childrens ministry than our seniors. Please understand, I dont think we should change the budget. We need to change our attitude toward growing old. Do you remember the hit Susan Boyle was on Britains Got Talent? This 47 year old dowdy, fashion challenged and plain looking gal could not possibly be an up-and-coming singing star, could she? The judges were patient, but the audience was skeptical with distaste. Why waste our time letting her sing, said the facial expressions and non-verbal communication of the audience! Then she sang. It was spectacular! I began the OWLS ministry in the early nineties, because I value what those who are 55 and older. They often have more time because they dont work full time anymore. They have talents that can create a tremendous force for helping love others in the local body and to reach out to neighbors in the New Commandment Mens Ministry. Hopefully, they have more biblical wisdom and life experience to share with others. Moses wrote, You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the LORD.2 Unfortunately, older adults often buy into the negative images of aging and choose to sit back and just watch the rest of us try not to become them. Its often not the mental or physical limitations, but the negative stereotypes we have embraced from the world. Too many older people have believed the lies that they no longer have something to offer Gods work in the church. Are you ready to join the OWLS and be a force in the second half of life? EFCA calls it the ENCORE ministry. Thats a very appropriate title. Its very similar to the exhortation Paul made to Timothy to not let anyone look down on him for being young. I wonder if Paul came to Grace what he might say? Would he admonish the older people, Dont let anyone look down on you because you are older! Do what God has called you to do!3 Just as we should not limit people based on gender or race, we must not limit the potential of adults because of their age. Lets be a church that honors all ages and helps each person be part of the oneness in Christ. Lets rely upon each other and expect everyone to contribute to the body! Lets enjoy the process of growing old, so that we can be a greater blessing to others. Lets be more useful to the body as we grow old!

Galatians 3:28; 2Leviticus 19:32; 3cf. Baby Boomers and Beyond, Amy Hanson.