THE OLDEST SEGMENT OF SOCIETY

 

The previous generation is all gone – no parents or aunts or uncles are still alive. I’m part of the oldest living segment of society – a rather sobering thought. In addition to losing family members in both my generation and the prior generation, also a son and a step-son, I’ve lost 20 friends over the years. Some I knew were sick and dying, but others were a complete surprise. Those are the saddest losses.

It doesn’t seem to me that I’m all that old; I’m not even 80 yet. I had an aunt that lived to be 96 or 97, and my Mother’s dad died at 86. So there must be a few long-term genes in the family. Interestingly, my Grandfather was on dialysis when he passed, which looks to be my own future.

Of course the number of years here on earth is miniscule compared to the eternal, endless life after death. God has given us a lifetime, no matter how long or short, to prepare for the afterlife. He has offered an invitation to everyone to receive His free gift of Eternal Life. Romans 6:23 says, “The gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.”

This is a gift, it can’t be bought or earned or bartered or stolen or inherited – it can only be accepted by each one of us – separately and individually. If someone hasn’t received the invitation yet, they can search for it and seek it and hunt for it – until it is found.

Where to look? The first place to look is in God’s Word, the Holy Bible. Then find a church that preaches and teaches the Bible. Then read Christian writers who help with understanding the Bible. Then listen to Christian music that praises and worships our Savior. Then meet with other believers for encouragement and fellowship.

Once you have received this wonderful, eternal Gift, tell others about it. Tell other family members, tell your children, and tell your friends before you lose them.

COPYRIGHT 2025 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON