I am soon to be, Lord willing, fifty years old. Brethren, please let me pass along these things that I have learned:
Be Humble
The Almighty resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). Real humility before God is not about self-deprecating statements or even a refusal to accept accolades. (Excessive attempts to downplay achievements or appear humble are actually the outworking of egotism. All the time spent contriving self-effacing statements makes it all about me.) The definition and example of humility is most clearly seen and explained in Jesus. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). To what end? He did not come to be served but to serve and give His life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45). He made Himself of no reputation and delighted in serving His Father and being a blessing to others. He washed the feet of his disciples. Think on that! The Author of existence cleaned the feet of His creation.
Be Helpful
Be a blessing to others. Proactively try to determine what is needed and do something about it. This is not easy. The number of people that can ask for help exceeds the capacity of those who would lend aid. But the mistake is in thinking small, being selfish, and not endeavoring. God is exalted in the effort, worshiped in the work, and praised in the earnest attempt to put your brother in better circumstances.
Be Holy
Contrary to the claims of society, Satan, and the sinful nature of Self, good living is not about being happy. It is about being holy. Not a preoccupation with what we must not do as an end. Real holiness is focused by faith on living so as to please God. It is supremely about who I am in the meditations of my heart. Contemplation begets conduct. A holiness that is chiefly concerned with appearances is really acting and of no value against the lusts of the flesh.
I submit these to you in hope that they are of some value for your sojourn with Jesus.
I am thankful for a wife that has loved me through my successes and failures, for family that reminds me of what is important, for friends that keep the kingdom in view, for foes that help me see where I am still badly in need of sanctification, and for a Father that would give up His Son to save me.
In His grip by His grace for His glory,
Roderick L. Barnes, Sr.
The 50 Year Old Disciple