Age Does Not Matter

Harvey Lehman, in his book Age And Achievement, insists that a man reaches his peak of achievement at about 35. According to Mr. Lehman, the peak age for:
– painters is about 34
– playwrights is about 35
– philosophers is about 37
– inventors is about 32

There may be some truth to his observations. Sinclair Lewis wrote “Main Street” at 35; George Gershwin composed “Porgy and Bess” at 37; and Thomas Edison invented the electric light at 32.

However, before you accept Lehman’s conclusions as fact, remember:

• Picasso was painting at 83, Titian at 90, and Grandma Moses at 101.
• Cervantes wrote “Don Quixote” in his 60’s, and Goethe finished “Faust” when he was 80.

And, from the Biblical perspective:

• Noah was 600 when he entered the Ark
• Abraham was 100 when Isaac was born
• Moses was 80 when he led the Israelites out of Egypt.

It’s also important to note that Jane Austen wrote “Pride and Prejudice” at 21; William Cullen Bryant wrote “Thanatopsis” at 18; and Mendelssohn composed “Overture to a Midsummer Night’s Dream” at 17.

The truth is that people of all ages have made important contributions to society. Age is no barrier.

Sometimes we use our age as an excuse for not doing what the Lord demands of us. We cannot get away with it. When Jeremiah was called to the prophetic office he responded, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child” (Jeremiah 1:6). But age wasn’t the issue. God had a job for Jeremiah! He has a job for us, too!

Whether young, middle-aged, or elderly, there is a place for us in the Kingdom.

Let’s find our place and get busy serving the Lord!

— Roger