Me, Myself, and My Tomorrows
Ecclesiastes 21:1
The Reality of Premature Death
- Premature Death Concept: Living many years after a figurative death
- Quote: Mention of a Czech philosopher and martyr about dying before death becomes a necessity
Reflection on Life
- Mid-Life Reflection: Realization that the years lived are more than those remaining
- Life Inventory: Evaluating past life and planning changes
- Fred Smith's Quote: "In the middle of life, you don't want to make a junkyard out of your old age."
Biblical Perspective on Aging
- Theme Verse: Ecclesiastes 12:1 – "Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth."
- Growing in Life: The importance of growing spiritually and mentally, not just physically
Dispelling Myths About Old Age
- Five Myths:
- Closing years are less enjoyable and stimulating
- Old age equals disability and ill health
- Diminished ability to change or learn
- Difficulty in forming new relationships
- Inevitable institutionalization in old age
Embracing Aging
- God's Best for the Last: Enjoyable and fruitful old age is possible with intentional preparation
- Today's Actions Fuel Tomorrow: Importance of living intentionally each day
- Jesus’ Parable: John 12:24 – New life through death
Holistic Health Approach
- Four Interlocking Measurements:
- Physical Health
- Intellectual Growth
- Social Development
- Spiritual Activity
Physical Health
- Body as a Temple: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – Stewardship of the body
- Job’s Hope: Job 19:26 – Resurrection hope
- Healthy Lifestyle: Balance in eating, exercise, and rest
Intellectual Growth
- Mental Cultivation: Lifelong learning and reeducation
- Peter’s Advice: 2 Peter 1:5 – Add knowledge to faith
- Use of Brain Potential: Importance of an active brain
- Paul’s Advice: 1 Corinthians 14:20 – Mature thinking
Social Development
- Human Connection: Importance of social interactions and community
- Intergenerational Contact: Mentoring and being involved with younger generations
- Avoiding Social Withdrawal: Engaging in meaningful social activities
Spiritual Activity
- Faith and Questions: Romans 2:15 – Understanding God through life’s questions
- Spiritual Growth: Continual growth in grace
- Scripture Memory and Meditation: Importance of consistent spiritual disciplines
Distinctive Death
- Christian Perspective on Death: Not darkness but dawn
- Teaching Others: Elderly individuals as examples of how to die in faith
- Moses’ Prayer: Psalm 90:12 – Gaining a heart of wisdom
*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.
About the Contributors
Howard G. Hendricks
Dr. Howard G. Hendricks, known simply as “Prof,” directly or indirectly touched millions of lives in the evangelical community and beyond. For more than sixty years Prof served on the faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), where he taught more than ten thousand students. He served as the chairman of the Center for Christian Leadership for over twenty years. He also ministered in person in more than eighty countries. Through speaking engagements, radio, tapes, films, the sixteen books he authored and coauthored, countless journal and popular-market articles, his service on numerous boards, and his work as a chaplain to the Dallas Cowboys (1976–1984), his reach was and is worldwide.
His legacy, in partnership with Jeanne, his wife of more than sixty-five years, includes four children and six grandchildren. Holding large audiences enthralled at venues such as Billy Graham’s conference center or Promise Keepers’ stadium rallies, Prof would confide, “It’s wonderful to be here with you, but I have a group of delicious students waiting for me back at the seminary.”
Contributors
