When a person grows old, the one thing that makes him the happiest is to know and see his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends and loved ones walking in harmony with God’s will. Having their priorities in the right prospective is:
Putting God first in their lives; studying His Word daily, teaching their children, worshipping and walking obediently to his will.
Taking care of their physical bodies, eating right, exercising and not abusing their bodies with drugs, alcohol, tobacco, etc. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Not being dominated by materialism – realizing at an early age that God gave them the talents they use to accumulate material wealth but also gave them the wisdom to use it wisely. Not being greedy but sharing with the poor and needy and giving God His share. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works” (Matthew 16:26-27).
When people reach the last years of their lives and reflect back, I doubt if recounting how much they accumulated in material things would be of any importance. They could ask this question, “What have I done in my lifetime for the cause of Christ?”
[Editor’s Note: At the close of one’s life one wonders, “What’s next for me?” and “Have I prepared adequately for the commencement of eternity.” ~ Louis Rushmore
