“The right age” or “the right of passage”, as some might say.” But what is that age? Is it age five waiting to start school? Is it age ten so you can ride your bike to school? Or 16 when you can get a driver’s license? Maybe it is 25 when your auto insurance rates go down. Of course, we don’t want to overlook the age of 21, when you have reached the legal age to do just about anything you want.

A few weeks ago at the building, I even noticed a young boy waiting his turn at the water fountain. He could have gotten a drink from the lower fountain; I even ask him if it was working, and he said, “Yes it is, but I’ll wait.”

I left thinking, even being able to drink from the taller fountain in some way is a rite of passage. These few small things are really of no major consequence, it just means time is passing and we are growing older.

What is of vital importance is that we do not develop the habits of others we observe engaged in sinful activates. SIN IS NOT A RIGHT OF PASSAGE. You don’t reach a certain age, and thin, now I have reached the legal age to do the things you see others doing. It could be a friend, a relative, or even a parent.

Regardless of our age, we need to be an example to all young and old alike. Consider these few verses.

• II Timothy 2:22-23 “Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.”
• Mat. 5 16, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
• I Timothy 4 12,”Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”
• Romans 12:2,”And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
• Colossians 3:13, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

I am sure that you can think of many other verses that make the same point; that we should be an example to others at all times. We should be and examples to others, both Christians and non-Christians.

Of course, we don’t reach a certain age when sin should become a part of our life.  At the same time doing good and helping others is for all ages.

When you see a need do your best to meet that need and be helpful, or find someone who can provide the needed help.

SO AS YOU GROW OLDER , GROW IN SERVICE TO GOD

AND GROW AS AN EXAMPLE TO OTHERS

Dick Brant