Opus 2011-339, Monday Pulpit: Benefits of Age

At our church the pastor’s wife plays the piano and leads the musical portion of the worship service.  She does an excellent job.  I have begun to try to be early so that I can begin to worship during the prelude music.  I am able to tune out all the chatter and begin to focus on the things of God as she plays.

As she was going through song after song that I knew I was reminded that the young members of our congregation were getting little from this time.  Almost every song she played was one that I had been singing for years and often I knew the words.  They were saturated with meaning.  I began to think on the benefits of being older.  I think worship is easier when you are in the last quarter of your life.  You have the kind of foundation that makes things rich.

One benefit is the Familiar.  I was raised in a time when we had what is now called praise music, but we called them choruses.  We enjoyed them but did not let them set the agenda as is often done today.  I feasted on a steady diet of hymns and gospel songs that were sung often enough to cement them in my memory.  We used hymnals with four parts and I learned to sing the harmony and do a little reading of music.  When I hear something today I don’t need to try to figure it out.  It is familiar.  That is an advantage.

Another benefit is the Settled.  By this time in life I know what I believe.  I have made my choices and my commitments.  I know heresy when I hear it.  I know fluff when I see it.  I can listen for what God is saying to me without being forced to evaluate every nuance.

I know what is Important.  As an mature adult I don’t get sidetracked by every little trend that comes down the pike.  It doesn’t matter to me if the soloist has an earring in his ear.  I can roll with that but if he wants to sing nonsense, I know it for what it is.  I can bond with Calvinists, Lutherans, Pentecostals, Independents, and even Catholics if they have trusted Jesus for their salvation.  I don’t bat an eye when they try to convince me I need to get the “gift” or be baptized a certain way.

And the End is in sight.  I was telling my children the other day that when they buy me books I don’t need the quality leather editions anymore unless they would like to inherit them.  I am old enough that a paperback will probably last as long as I will.  Or at least as long as my mind.  That doesn’t bother me because I am one who has the hope.  I am not packing my bags just yet.  I still have a lot to give and will do what I can for the kingdom, but I can see the finish line ahead.

Prelude music gets me in the mood to meet with the Living God in the presence of His people.  After the prelude we sing together, pray together and listen together.  What a glorious day.

homo unius libri