We all have seen it happen as people grow older. Regardless of the circumstances and situations, there are two ways to grow older in life. We’ve met people who grow sweeter and more gracious as they age. Folks love to be around them. Then on the other hand,  there are those who just seem to grow more crabby and outspoken. Everyone holds their breath around them because you never know what is going to happen.

For believers, the Lord Jesus truly wants to work in our lives to help us to become more like Him. Some time ago I had shared with the retired missionaries of Baptist Church Planters my ten commandments for those growing older. While these Biblical principles are good for every age, I think they are quite appropriate for those of us who are growing older.

1. Thou shalt ask the Lord to give you a thankful spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
2. Thou shalt trust the Lord in all the adjustments of your life (Proverbs 3:5-6).
3. Thou shalt sing to the Lord in the good days as well as the hard (Colossians 3:16).
4. Thou shalt laugh often. See the humor and rejoice that some of the funniest things in the world will be accomplished by you even if you aren’t trying to be funny (Proverbs 17:22).
5. Thou shalt tell your family often that you love them and are thankful for them (Psalm 127).
6. Thou shalt remember to guard your heart. Just because you’re old doesn’t mean that you are exempt from sinful thoughts and wicked actions (Proverbs 4: 23).
7. Thou shalt love the Word of God and think of it often throughout your day (Psalm 119:89-93).
8. Thou shalt be pleasant to be around. Old age doesn’t provide the license for you being grumpy, complaining, and gruff with the folks around you (Psalm 19:14).
9. Thou shalt find at least one person per day to encourage and bless (Proverbs 10:11a, 13a, 20-21).
10. Thou shalt grow to love the Lord Jesus more and more as you rehearse how good He is and how faithful He has been to you over the years (Matthew 22:37).