“My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.” (Proverbs 3:1-2 NKJV)

“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.” (Proverbs 4:18 NASB)

“And as Jesus grew older He gained in both wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” (Luke 2:52 WNT)

As I continue to  share my heart, be reminded that…

…I have been called…

…to help the children of God realize that it is our Father’s desire that as His children we live strong long lives worth living, without limit or end, with nothing missing or broken; therefore He designed us to live lives filled with purity, passion, power, and purpose; as in partnership with Him we expand the manifestation of the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth (here and now); regardless of our current age or condition.

Did you get a chance to ponder my two bold statements and the thought provoking questions that I asked about aging and death? Last night and this morning as I was praying and pondering how to move forward, I decided to simply share my conclusions rather than try to answer each question individually. I challenge you, as you read what I have to say, to dig in for yourself and see what you discover. It just may change how you view today and the future..

Over the last seven years I have been seeking truth in the areas of aging and death. The more that I ponder (pray, seek, listen, think, and meditate), and the deeper I study (scriptures, “experts”, books, podcasts, etc.), the more I realize that the way I have blindly accepted and followed this current culture of death (including the current expectations of the “aging process”) has taken me far from God’s original desire and design for creation (which, by the way, has never changed). So, what is my current understanding of these things? Let’s start with aging.

Aging, as originally designed…

…is an upward journey into the full realization of who I am as an image-bearer of the One who created me;

…is a time-related process of growth and maturity created by God to release increase in and through me;

…is the time-released process through which the Creator’s desire to partner with His sons and daughters to carry out His eternal purpose and plan for creation is fulfilled.

Aging, as demonstrated by the life of Jesus…

…is the time-related process of maturing into the full stature, wisdom, and favor of God and man.

Aging, as originally designed, is…

…a continual process of growth, maturity, and development (spirit, soul, & body);

…perpetual forward motion;

…a life-long progressive advancement.

Aging, as originally designed, is not…

…simply the passing of time;

…wearing out and growing old;

…a destructive process of decrease, debilitation, decay, and death.

There is so much more to say, but I am sure that enough has been said for today. As you ponder all of this, and get ready for tomorrow, I have one more question…

…Why is the “common” experience of aging and death today so far removed from the original desire and design of the Creator?

Until next time, let’s continue to consider all that has been said in…

…Eric’s Life Lesson # 372: Late Life Assignment: Part 8 – The Promise: Strong, Long Lives: Part 4