Preparing for your golden age and above – Part 1

Looking back from the beginning, I would say it’s a privilege to get to the golden age of 50. With all the good and bad experiences I have passed through, it must have been God’s blessing to get here, as He has promised us long life and old age in the book of Psalms 91:16 (‘With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.’)

This has also opened my understanding to know that it’s very important to prepare for our old age, as it is another stage of our life.

Many elderly are, in fact, completely unprepared for what they are to face when it comes to getting old and the road that lays ahead of them.

We must have a deliberate plan from when we are in our 40s or less to live a lifestyle that will help put in place everything as may be possible to make our old age less boring and comfortable. The early days of a man’s life is like a planting season, when you need to work wisely to plant good seeds, knowing that it is what you sow in your youthful days that you will reap in your old age… Do all you can to plan for your old age. In between the time before turning 50, the Bible admonishes us to do what we can while it is still day, as the nighttime comes when we can do nothing. It is almost impossible to start anything new at old age that will be beneficial to you. There are some principles to keep in mind and apply when possible, so that you will be prepared for what is to come in your old age. Only then you will not be caught unawares.

• Build Associates
As you grow older, the people by your side will continue to grow smaller in number. In this case, only your true associates will be there for you. So, while you are young, (between 30s and 50s) build strong relationships and friendship among your professional colleagues, family, neighbours and business community. To achieve this, you have to be someone with a Godly heart, giving hospitality to those who are within your reach. You should also extend your friendship and support for the younger ones around you, who may turn out to be your only support when your generation has largely left. Whilst many of your peers will increasingly find it harder to look after themselves, the younger generations may be your only strength.

Even your wife or husband may depart earlier than you, or than you would expect, and your children should have gone far away from you to pursue their dreams. At this point come days of emptiness and loneliness, which may not be the best for you as the Bible says woe to him that is alone because when he falls no one will help him. You may have to learn how to live alone, and embrace solitude if you don’t build good relationship.

• Invest Wisely
While you are young, invest wisely in good and profitable businesses. Be prudent. Plan and save towards your old age. Apply the principle of tithing by paying 10 per cent of all your income to the church, as this will guarantee you help from above as the windows of heaven will be open unto you, and save at least 10 per cent of your income in the bank.
God’s Kingdom Citizens Chapel (Chapel Of Grace)

11, Tabernacle Lane, Abule Onilu, Odo-Eran, Bus Stop, Isheri Ogando Express Way, Lagos.