Age-Directed

I understand that when the Bible addresses a verse or passage to a specific age group, there is a purpose for it. However, because it is the Word of God, wouldn’t it also be beneficial to those of an older age?

For instance, Psalm 119:9-11 reads:

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from Your commandments. I have treasured Your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against You.”

At age 67 my “young man” days are long gone, which can mean only one thing: This verse doesn’t apply to me and has no bearing on my life. Or does it?

Challenging for Young People

Some clarification is required here: The Greek phrase translated “young man” in the NASB is generic; more accurately, the English should read “young person” as both young men and women are in view.

The verse opens this way: “How can a young man keep his way pure?” Because we know that the answer is about to be given, what follows this address to young people will be of great importance.

I picture the Psalmist being the father of children nearing adulthood. Verses 10-11 is him saying: “My advice to you is this: If you want to live a holy life that pleases God, this is how to do it.”

The goal is that “I may not sin against You” (v. 11) which certainly poses a great challenge for young people, especially as it applies to purity – most notably refraining from sinful sexual behavior. But though addressing young people, is it restricted to them?

What about Seniors?

For fun, let’s take this passage and make a slight alteration. Will it still work?

“How can I as a SENIOR CITIZEN KEEP MY WAY pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from Your commandments. I have treasured Your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against You.”

Do I still need to seek after God will all my heart? Am I still in danger of wandering from God’s commandments? Though much older than a young man, do I have ample opportunity daily to sin against God? Absolutely.

At age 67, I still at times say things in anger and spite, and that’s sin. Any time I’m out and about there’s always a lovely female form to look upon. And then, of course, there’s the Internet which is filled with every kind of debauchery imaginable if one has an inclination to search it out.

As a single man, there’s always the possibility of meeting a single woman and doing what isn’t permitted outside of marriage. For you married men and women, meeting a “willing” individual at a point where your marriage is struggling can be a very big problem.

What to do?

God’s Word

Fortunately, verse 11 tells us the best way to keep from sin: Treasuring (or hiding) God’s Word in our hearts. We are to be consuming the Bible every day of our lives, barring exceptions. For me, this means 8 to 10 chapters daily; for others, just a chapter or even a portion a day.

The important thing is to be consuming God’s Word as often as possible. Keeping the Word in our hearts – knowing it, memorizing it, and living by it – is the best way to keep ourselves pure. A good passage to treasure is 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV):

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”

And this not tied to a specific age!

Here’s another “word” to hide in your heart:

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ”

 (Philippians 1:27, NIV).

This is a big one for me. The words “Whatever happens” in practical terms can easily read, “In any and all circumstances.” This means that no matter what area of life we are talking about – work, interactions with others, driving, tense moments, perusing the Internet – we are to glorify Christ, being a shining example of our Lord and Savior to a lost world.

And this brings us back to Psalm 119:9-11:

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from Your commandments. I have treasured Your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against You.”

Powerful indeed, and most certainly not for young men and women only!

David Ettinger was born and raised in a Jewish family in New York. After moving to New Mexico as an adult, he suffered through many trials. The nudge of the Holy Spirit caused him to examine his heart and in 1986 he surrendered his life to Jesus and has walked with Him ever since. David holds a BA, and MA, in English from New Mexico State University. He began his journalism career writing for The Roundup, the university paper. After graduation he became the sportswriter for the El Paso Times. He has held many other positions as both writer and editor with major publications. David is active in providing his skills with Zion’s Hope, Inc., in Winter Garden, Florida. His publications include Lifeway publications, Single Parent magazine (Focus on the Family), Zion’s Fire magazine, and Real Life magazine. In addition, he served as managing editor for Zion’s Fire and Real Life. David’s book, Overcomers: 30 Stories of Triumph from the Bible, is available online. David is proud of his son and grandson. Please read his testimony here, on his website. 

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