Tuesday, October 7, 2014
On my last scheduled appointment with my primary doctor, I asked him if there is really anything that can be done about my unsightly age spots. He quickly replied “No.” Since I, like most of you, have instant access to the internet, I can see that many do not agree with my doctor. Neither would I be surprised if some of you know and apprise me of some effective proven formula you have discovered. That would be nice. Nevertheless, whether age spots can be treated or not, one thing is certain; these are just one more of the natural markings of a senior citizen. Said in another way, we have earned them. Another marking is the grey or white hair. For the most part, it is looked upon as a badge of honor. In fact, God made honoring old people a rule for living. Leviticus 19:32 says: “Thou shalt rise up before the hoary (white or grey) head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord.” Proverbs 16:31 calls white hair “a crown of glory.” Unfortunately there are some old geezers around who make it very hard for others to honor them. As far as black bags or circles under the eyes are concerned, however, that is another matter. Those, I choose to keep for I’ve had them since I was a boy and God gave them to me to set me apart from the others. Some of you who are reading this blog also have some visible feature that sets you apart from others. Wear your markings happily; they come from God and that’s what makes you special.
When God’s children realize that their “markings” come from Him, they wear them proudly. Such was the case with the Apostle Paul. From the start of his ministry, he knew in advance that he would suffer many things for the name of Jesus. (See Acts 9:10-15) Many years later, in his letter to the Galatians and addressing the trouble false teachers had brought them and him too, he wrote: “Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” He was referring in part to the physical scars he had earned for serving his Master.
Though most of you know this already, the more we serve the Lord, the greater the chances that we too will receive scars. They may not be physical like Paul’s, and they may be well hidden, but many times emotional wounds can be just as devastating. These may come by way of rejections, slander, criticisms, or false accusations, and were it not for God’s grace they would destroy us. The world may not see them but to the Lord your battle scars are as clear as the noonday sun. Don’t let it go to your head more than it should, but wear them proudly.
Memory verse for the week: (Psalm 119:98) “Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me.”
NOTE: Starting November 3, I will sent these meditational thoughts only to those who expressly request them. I myself, do not read all the devotionals or bible related items I receive on a regular basis, so I completely understand if others do not read mine.
