In the wisdom of Proverbs, God reveals His design for every season of life, from the vigor of youth to the dignity of old age. Pastor Léveillé’s sermon, “No Season Wasted: Serving God from Youth to Gray Hair,” draws from Proverbs 16:31 and 20:29 to show how each stage of life holds a unique glory, how righteousness transforms that glory into eternal value, and how the generations must work together to fulfill God’s purposes. This message challenges us to live fully for Christ at every age, ensuring no season is wasted.
God Gives Each Season Its Unique Glory
The Bible affirms that every stage of life has a God-given purpose and beauty. Proverbs 20:29 declares, “The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head” (KJV). This verse, in classic Hebrew parallelism, highlights the distinct splendor of youth and old age. For the young, strength is their crown, a God-given capacity for action, endurance, and creativity. This energy drives young believers like William Carey, who, in his youth, passionately pursued world evangelism despite resistance, becoming known as the father of modern missions. Similarly, Jim Elliot’s zealous words at a young age “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose” reflect the drive God instills in youth to attempt great things for His glory.
For the older generation, the “gray head” represents majesty and dignity, an ornament of years well-lived. Proverbs 16:31 adds, “The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness” (KJV). Age brings wisdom, perspective, and a steady faith forged through decades of walking with God. Pastor Léveillé shared a personal story of meeting Don Sisk, a seasoned missionary whose simple recounting of God’s work in Japan carried profound weight because of his years of faithful service. Both youth and age have their unique glory, designed by God to serve His kingdom. Young people, with their energy, and older saints, with their wisdom, are equally vital to the church’s mission.
Glory Without Righteousness Becomes Emptiness
While God grants each season its glory, that glory is hollow without righteousness. Proverbs 16:31 qualifies that the hoary head is a crown of glory only “if it be found in the way of righteousness” (KJV). Age alone does not guarantee wisdom or honour; it is a life lived in obedience to God that transforms years into a crown. Every year offers opportunities for learning, service, and storing up treasures in heaven. A life marked by righteousness, through trials endured, prayers offered, and sacrifices made, commands respect because it reflects God’s faithfulness.
Conversely, years spent in selfishness or neglect yield emptiness. Ecclesiastes 4:13 warns, “Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished” (KJV). Age without righteousness is merely rebellion prolonged. Pastor Léveillé contrasted this with the perspective of filmmaker Woody Allen, who, in a 2012 interview, described aging as a bleak process of decay and distraction, devoid of purpose. For believers, however, every season is an investment. Youth is the time to build godly habits, middle age to expand influence, and old age to pass on wisdom. Righteousness ensures that no season is wasted, turning years into a testimony of God’s grace.
The Generations Need Each Other
The church thrives when the young and old serve together, their strengths complementing one another. Proverbs 20:29 illustrates this interdependence: the strength of youth and the wisdom of age are designed to work in harmony. Titus 2:2-5 instructs older men and women to model godliness and teach the younger generation, while the young are to listen and learn. This exchange ensures the baton of faith is passed faithfully. Pastor Léveillé recounted a humbling moment dining with veteran missionary Daryl Champlin, whose stories of God’s work in Suriname poured wisdom into a younger generation, showing the power of such connections.
The sermon emphasized that idleness in any season leads to unfaithfulness. If the young do not use their strength for God’s work, they risk pursuing vain distractions. If the older generation withdraws, they forfeit their calling to mentor. A November 2024 survey by Study Finds revealed that younger generations (Gen Z and millennials) were more active in charitable giving and community service than older generations, underscoring the need for both to engage actively. The biblical example of Moses, Aaron, and Hur supporting Joshua in battle (Exodus 17) illustrates this beautifully: the young fought in the valley, while the older interceded on the hill, securing victory through their combined efforts.
Conclusion
God’s Word calls us to serve Him faithfully in every season of life. Whether you are running on the strength of youth or leaning on the wisdom of age, your season has a purpose. Young people, channel your energy into God’s work, seeking mentors who can guide you. Older believers, never retire from righteousness; invest in the next generation through prayer, counsel, and example. Together, the generations can fulfill the Great Commission, making disciples and advancing God’s kingdom. Let no season be wasted—live for Christ, and let your life shine as a crown of glory, forged in righteousness, for His eternal praise.
