Sound in the Faith by T. E. Bowen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Apr 6, 1905

Sound in the Faith

By T. E. Bowen

T. E. BOWEN

SOME persons think that the aged sometimes outlive their usefulness. This depends largely upon what character they have formed. God never intended that any man or woman should live beyond their usefulness. To be sure, their duties may change. They can not do that which they once did; but that which they may do, because of their longer experience, can be, and really should be, the highest service for God possible for any one to render.

Ponder well this scripture: “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” Titus 2: 1-5.

Surely the Lord here has outlined duties grand and sublime for every aged pilgrim.

By setting the younger servants of the Lord examples in right living as outlined in these words of instruction to Titus, the cause of God may be greatly strengthened by the dear aged ones whose rich experience makes them honored teachers. The only requirement specified is that they be themselves this that they teach.

Then he mentioned among these things that they be sound in the faith. To be sound in the faith now, when every wind of doctrine is blowing, means much to the cause of God. This the aged can be, and should be.

God grant that no believer in the message shall entertain the thought that he has outlived his usefulness.

Rome, N. Y.