I was just thinking about a cliché that enters conversations frequently. How many times has a person said: “You’re never too old to learn?” Some may feel insulted. Others may pause and ponder the statement. Still others may nod their heads and say, “You are right; that is definitely true.”
What the Bible Has to Say
The psalmist wrote, “Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands” (Psalm 119:73 NIV1984). Most of us have encountered an individual often referred to as a “know-it-all.” While some believers may possess knowledge about God’s Word, the truth is no one really knows it all.
I have preached God’s Word for more than 60 years. I have studied intensely and have a very good knowledge of the Bible. But at 78 years old, I am by no means too old to learn! Here is the clincher — no believer is too old to learn and study when it comes to God’s Word. Learning comes from studying.
What the Believer Needs to Say
Just what does the follower of Christ need to say? First, the individual needs to say, “I must submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.” May I remind you that He is a teacher.
As Jesus was informing His disciples about His soon ascension, He told them, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit is always a willing teacher — He just needs willing learners!
Second, the believer needs to say, “I am the problem!” A wise deacon would often tell me, as he shook my hand after my sermon, “Pastor, we just need to get our ‘want to’ fixed!” No one is too old to learn. There are just times when we need to take some self-evaluation and then get our “want to” fixed. We need to admit that it is not a matter of age — it is a matter of desire.
Third, the believer needs to say, “I am never too old to be an example for younger people.” Personal Bible study is essential, but being an example to others means participating in group Bible studies, whether in Sunday School or home groups. Setting an example for others is an important ministry. Studying God’s Word with others not only helps believers realize they are not too old to learn, but it also shows them the example that many desperately need to see. Paul wrote about such ministry when he shared, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (I Cor. 11:1).
Every Believer Must Give the Best Effort
Those whom Jesus calls His witnesses do not have passes to “retire” from learning and pleasing the Father. That means we must give our best efforts for the Master. In doing so, we will accomplish the task He gave us.
The apostle also wrote, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (II Tim. 2:15). To properly handle God’s Word, we must learn. As we learn, we must be able to answer the questions of others who have not grown spiritually. And we must remember — none of us is too old to learn!
