Finding the Beauty of Aging in an Anti-Aging World - The Crosswalk Devotional - September 16

Finding the Beauty of Aging in an Anti-Aging World
By: Emily Rose Massey

Bible Reading:
“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life” (Proverbs 16:31, ESV).

Botox and injectables, facelifts, tummy tucks, retinol creams, under-eye concealer and color correctors, collagen and peptide powders, weight-loss products, teeth whitening, and veneer treatment advertisements bombard us continually through television, magazines, and social media influencers. There is no getting around it; we live in an anti-aging world. This was the topic of a recent women’s leadership training at my church, as we discussed the importance of Christian women embracing the high calling of Titus 2 (older women training the younger women). Do we try to run from the title of “older woman,” or are we enthusiastically embracing it because we know how much the Bible esteems growing older in the Lord?

The book of Proverbs is full of so much wisdom and highlights the beauty of aging in chapter 16:

“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life” (Proverbs 16:31, ESV).

The Bible does not tell us to cover up those gray hairs; it says that it is a crown of honor. We must embrace growing older because, as Christ followers, our gray hair should be a sign of a lifelong journey with Jesus! Now, I am not trying to create a law where there is none; there is Christian liberty when it comes to matters such as this. I dye my roots when I see gray hair poking through, but maybe I should pause and ask myself: How do I truly see aging? 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

I enjoy makeup and basic skincare, but I do believe it is important to ask the Lord to search our hearts so that we do not find ourselves running away from ‘father time.’ As Christians, we must see aging rightly, which should be positive, not negative. How has the world’s view of aging influenced the church? If we are not on our guard, we can be swayed by the world’s thinking. That is why it is so important to renew our minds with God’s word daily (Romans 12:1-2).

I often wonder if the Christian generations before me have become entangled by the culture’s lies instead of standing firm against them. In my own personal experience, I have prayed for many years for an older woman in the faith to come alongside me. Oh, how I long for the wisdom of a woman who has been walking with Jesus for decades longer than I have! Sadly, there seems to be a generational gap missing from my own church, which is very Biblically sound. Instead of being tempted to complain about this lack, I am reminded that I must go to God in prayer, especially when it seems so out of reach for me to find a mentor who can come alongside me and teach me to love my husband and children and love Jesus and His word even more. But much more than that, I do not want to ignore my own call to make disciples.

The world may recoil from the word “older,” but the Bible is clear that age reveals great wisdom and insight. I may not feel like an older woman in the faith, but age should never limit me from the Great Commission (Matthew 28). Instead of waiting for someone to pour into me, I must look for those whom I can pour into and encourage in the Lord. I should proudly embrace the title of “older woman” at just 40 years old because it truly is a high calling to train the younger generation in the Lord. 

The call for women in Titus 2 is important within the church and desperately needed by our society. We need godly women (and men, too) who are strong in the faith to raise strong, godly children with strong, godly marriages. Imagine how much impact we would have in the culture if we embraced the good found in aging and taught our children the amazing plan the Lord has for us to grow in godliness, wisdom, and righteousness as we live in the here and now, with eyes and hearts also fixed on eternity with the Lord. Families like this could change the world for Christ! Lord, help us to see the beauty in growing older in age and in You! 

Further Reading:
Titus 2
Romans 12

How did today’s devotional speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Crosswalk Devotional discussion.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Ben-Schonewille 

Emily Massey began writing short stories and poetry as a little girl, entered the blogging world in her early 20s, and published her first book in 2015. She enjoys being a homeschooling momma of four boys, while still being able to pursue her passion as a writer. Believing she has been forgiven much, she loves much, and desires to point others to Christ and His redemptive and transforming power, especially by sharing truth found in God’s written word. If you would like to connect with Emily, you can visit www.emilyrosemassey.com.

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