Some people use age as an excuse to opt out of becoming involved and helping others. Our local paper recently ran a story about an 87 year old man, Cyril Brown. Unlike some today, his main focus has never been on earning a living and looking after his own best interests. Rather, his has been a life of helping and serving others.
Currently he is a volunteer who delivers for Meals on Wheels. Ironically, he is older than some of the people he is delivering meals too. When not delivering meals, he spends his time doing other odd jobs to help others. It may be something as simple as changing a light bulb or any of the other little jobs that crop up in a home. He says ‘I’m not out for what I can get but what I can give.’
As a baby he was orphaned and cared for by an elderly woman, who he lived with till he was 14. His life of service to others is, in a sense, a thank you to her for the years she gave to him.
As well as Meals on Wheels he has been a volunteer teacher, been part of quit smoking programs, and also involved in flood, fire and other areas of disaster relief. His life has been spent serving others. It still is.
This man is an example, showing we are never too old to help others. This is exactly the sort of practical help Jesus was talking about when he calls His people to follow His example.
Jesus’ example was that of a servant who gave his life for the ransom of many, Mathew 20:28. Jesus demonstrated service with the washing of the disciples’ feet, John 13:3-17. He encouraged the disciples and us to follow the example of service He set. It means denying ourselves and our self interest to follow Jesus in a life of service, Luke 9:23. None of us are too young or too old to use it as an excuse not to serve.
Bible verses from New American Standard Version
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