Many cultures seem to value young people more than the elderly. In the workplace, for example, mandatory retirement policies restrict the number of years an employee is considered useful.

Believers, however, need not feel weak or unproductive as they grow older. As we age, the more effective and strong we should become in the faith. Just as the fall season of the year is the time of abundant fruitfulness, so we should be able to say, "Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day" (2 Cor. 4:16).

That was true of the apostle Paul. During his years of service for the Lord, he faced many hardships. He recognized his human frailty and that "death is working in us" (2 Cor. 4:12). But even as his body became weaker, his spirit became stronger. As he grew older physically, he grew more vibrant spiritually.

Are you growing "in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"? (2 Pet. 3:18). The psalmist wrote, "Those who are planted in the house of the Lord . . . shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing" (Ps. 92:13-14).  — M.R. De Haan