SHADES OF GRAY
“Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
it is attained by a righteous life.”
 Proverbs 16:31

Millions of dollars are spent each year by both men and women to hide their gray hair. Our society has placed so much emphasis on looking and acting young that we sometimes forget that one of the most important benefits of growing older is maturity. Okay, not all of us become as mature as we should be, but there are “shades of gray” that even those of us who have the thinnest of hair can achieve when we seek to live a righteous life. Take a moment to examine the “shades of gray” in your spiritual life. Then ask God to reveal any areas that may need a few more highlights.    

Grace in our perspective...
“After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are." Acts 15:7-11
 
As we mature in our faith our perspective changes; the false assumption that we may have had in the past that we are superior in some way based on our social, economic or even cultural position in life begins to crumble under the true weight of God’s grace. We discover that the ugliness of someone else’s sin is no different than our own, because we are all saved by grace. The sooner we allow God to add this “shade of gray” to our life, the more effective we become in ministry. Our litmus test for sin is replaced by God’s perspective; sin is sin. We start viewing those around us as people just like us who need God’s grace. A full and meaningful life for everyone begins at the foot of the cross. 
  
Respect in our interactions….
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” 1 Peter 3:15-16
 
Most of us have probably heard the phrase, “Respect must be earned.” So how do we earn respect? We earn respect by giving respect. If I want the opportunity to share my beliefs with someone, I must first be willing to respect what they believe. Too often in our society Christians are viewed as intolerant because of their beliefs; unfortunately sometimes that is true. Think about some of the slogans Christians display on bumper stickers or tee-shirts such as “Turn or Burn.” However true some “bumper sticker theology” may be, it’s not always respectful. I believe the reason that so many people resort to such “in your face” tactics is because society has confused “intolerance” with the right to hold a different opinion. When we are “respectful” in sharing with others we usually “earn” the right to disagree. The next time someone blows you off when you try to share your faith, consider how “respectful” you were in your interaction.
 
Authenticity in our life…
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” James 2:14-18
 
When you “say what you mean and mean what you say” your life looks different. Your life becomes a direct reflection of what you believe. None of us are perfect. We all make mistakes, but when we try to live what we believe, even our weaknesses reveal our “authenticity”, if we acknowledge that we have failed, ask forgiveness and try to make right whatever we messed up. Unfortunately, age often reveals who we really are inside. If we are not the “real deal” our true colors start showing as we lose the ability or desire to hold our tongue or control our actions. However, before I start getting any hate mail, let me say that some people can get “hateful” or “mean” because of a chemical imbalance beyond their control, but the rest of us don’t have that excuse, we just need to grow up.
 
Yearning in our heart...
“I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8
 
Another “shade of gray” is the desire in our heart for people to come to terms with God through His son Jesus Christ. It almost becomes an all consuming passion. I am overwhelmed at times by the zeal of my Christian mentors. They are not pushy or inconsiderate, but they are very intentional about sharing their faith with people. In fact, this last week I attended a funeral for a member of our church who died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of forty-six. As tragic as it was and still is for his wife and three daughters, his memorial service lasted over two hours as people shared about the testimony of his life. Even friends who knew him from high school made the effort to come to the service because of the impact he had made on their life; a young man with “shades of gray” beyond his years.   
 
Well, how “gray” are you around the temples (pun intended)? Are you aging “gray-fully” or are you trying to hide your faith? As you “check your pulse” this week take some time to examine the color of your spiritual maturity. If you need some help determining your “shades of gray” ask God, because after all He is the only one who knows for sure.
 
Del Brixey
“Aging Gray-fully”
 
CHALLENGED TO THE CORE
P.O. BOX 414
LAKE ARROWHEAD, CA 92352-0414