Think About it -- Engage the Aging Journey

Resources Think About it -- Engage the Aging Journey
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Faith Based Security NetworkFaith Based Security Network

Aug 16, 2025

At 20 we were invincible. Later, injuries linger and thoughts escape quickly.

Aging isn’t easy to acknowledge for anyone, but for defenders it is serious. We carry weapons of protection that, in aging hands through aging eyes, become more of a risk than a benefit.

Jesus told Peter, “…when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” [i]

FBSN member Rich Moberly recently wrote that, “People age out of their ability to do things they used to do with ease. A (church security) leader mentioned a team member that came to him saying he no longer could be a team member because of age related issues.

I can relate. When your hands shake, whether little or much, and you have trouble writing the signature you have signed for years, it may be time to lay down the weapon you have carried for many years.

However, is it time to resign from the team that protects your congregation? I deeply appreciated the response of that leader to this question. He told his aging team member that his responsible decision is exactly what makes a good team member. The leader reported that this team member is still an active and valuable member of the team even though he no longer carries.

Aging is not an enemy to be fought but a journey to be embraced. It is a process as fundamental to life as the rising of the sun or the turning of the tide. Follow the suggestions of the leader who channeled an aging team member into other valuable positions on the team.”

Think about it

Peter is the only disciple who ever used his weapon, and he did it wrong. By the time that day came, of which Jesus had spoken of above, Peter probably wasn’t carrying anymore.

However, few have inspired us as much as Peter still does. Not because of his sword fighting skills but because he followed Christ’s advice in the next verse after being told what it meant for him to age. Jesus said, “Follow me.” [ii] Peter followed.

Know when it’s time to change your actions but stay faithful in your calling. Find a task that matches your ability and do it well.

[i] John 21:18 (NKJV)

[ii] John 21:19 (NKJV)

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