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Stagnant … Generative

“But those who wait for the Lord’s help find renewed strength; they rise up as if they had eagles’ wings, they run without growing weary, they walk without getting tired.” Isa 40:31NET

Recently, I came across two new Christian phrases, “stagnant senior Christians,” and “generative senior Christians.” Here are the definitions: 

**Stagnant Senior Christian—The complaining elder Christian, who sits on ‘their pew.’ If things don’t go ‘their way,’ they threaten to take ‘their money’ out of ‘their church.’ Daily, they tell how much ‘they’ve done’ for everyone and the church. Now, they’ve acquired retirement with a— feed me mentality. Usually, they’re more harm to the kingdom of God, than help. 

**Generative Senior Christian— This elder Christian has worked “some” in the church, all of their lives. Now they’re retired from careers. Having been forced to work for a living all those years, they finally have time to work full time for Jesus. They’re useful in many fields of the church, especially in discipling younger generations and new converts.

As I’ve meditated upon this concept, I realize— I don’t ever want to be a useless old person, just as I never wanted to be a useless young person. My prayer is, was, and will be, ‘If I’m of no earthly good to You Jesus, get me out of here!”

Something to consider— You don’t have to be a senior aged person to be a “stagnant” Christian. Stagnant per online dictionary is: “not flowing or running”  —“stale or foul from standing”  —“characterized by lack of development, advancement, or progressive movement”  —“inactive, sluggish, or dull.”

This stagnant Christian is usually characterized as someone who takes up space, never grows, absorbs but has no outflow. Zig Ziglar said in a seminar I attended— Impression without Expression leads to Depression. Most stagnant Christians are depressed and think they need to be coddled by everyone.

Generative Christians, irregardless of the age, are characterized by the definition of the word “Generative: — “capable of producing or creating” —“pertaining to the production of offspring.” In other words, they grow other Christians.

Two ladies, whom I dearly love, are slightly older than I. These ladies are fun, funny, and busy! They work for Jesus: leading and co-ordinating fellowship groups within their church; teaching Sunday School classes; leading Bible study and workshops; working at the Christian television station; leading Bible studies at the local Teen Challenge Center; discipling and encouraging younger Christians. My friends fall under the heading of ‘generative senior Christians.’

Our text says of the generative Christians, who’ve been working for the Lord, “find renewed strength; they rise up… they run… they walk without getting tired.” God puts the spring into your steps. 

Psalmist David wrote a regenerating scripture for the generative Christian about our strong God who cares for His servants: “Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” Psm 103:3-5NASB.

Which type of Christian are you? It’s your choice. You choose.

PRAYER: Almighty God, thank You for loving us when we were stagnant or while we’re generative. Help all those who are stagnant to get over themselves and start flowing with service to the King in Jesus’ name I pray.

by Debbie Veilleux