From ‘What I Was’ to ‘Whose I Am’: Redefining Identity in the Sage Years

This blog is written by Carlton L. Coon, Sr., UPCI Sages National Director

What defines you now? The roles you once held, or who you are today?

James faced the same choice. His epistle begins with: James a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

James a servant. Get that it is important. James could have introduced himself in other ways.

• He was a half-brother to Jesus Christ. The two were family.

• James had led the first church council (Acts 15).

• James had given the first proclamation on how Gentiles were to live

(Acts 15:17-21)

In the amount of time spent together, James had spent more time with Jesus than any of His followers. James had been with Jesus during childhood.

James, the overseer of the early church. James, a sibling of Jesus. No. Just James, a servant.

Some years back, a gentleman introduced himself and proceeded to tell me how he had been the catalyst for a certain ministry effort that has served well. It was a long story that included pictures and documents. Over the succeeding days, I encountered the same fellow several times.

Each time, he told the same story of his impact from a slightly different angle. The man wore that tidbit of history like a decorated scout wearing a new badge. It was flashy – attention was needed. There is a contrast to James, the servant . . ..

Thinking about who we are is important. In the past, you have served in various ministry roles. You have taught classes, sung songs, played music, served as an usher, preached sermons, directed the choir, served as finance secretary, and stood beside your spouse in ministry.

And now?

It is possible for my identity to become entangled in what “used to be.” Perhaps your church related list resembles ours.

Between Norma and me, we have held a variety of roles, including bus route worker, bus driver, Home Bible Study teacher, praise team member, nursery worker, Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader, keyboardist, drummer, evangelist, pastor, and author, among many other things.

I hope that in each we functioned as simply a servant.

Does what I’ve done in the past define me, or can I be like the old Scot who said each morning as he went to pray, “Lord, it’s Carlton reporting for duty.”

Serving in the Sage age is usually different than during earlier years. How we serve is less important than that we serve. Don’t let past involvement hinder the present. But what does a servant identity look like in practical terms?

Just an Ant

Solomon suggested that we consider the ant and be wise (Proverbs 6:6). An ant is amazing, but it is in their collective service that they are truly astounding. As long as they live, an ant is “serving.” Each ant has a specific responsibility within their collective purpose, which is to protect the colony and provide for the queen.

• Some serve by finding food and bringing it in.

• Others serve by moving out debris and waste.

All serve. Consider the ant and find a way to serve.

James, a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ . . .. James addressed his ego in the first sentence of the epistle. We struggle to conquer our ego. Let me tell you who I am and what I’ve done.

Put your name in the sentence, “___________________, a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Your responsibilities in the body of Christ will have changed, but being a servant has not ended. In servanthood, the servant does not determine their own assignment. They are responsible for faithfully carrying out the assignment.

Your energy is lower. Your skill level might have slipped a bit. Your balance is not what it used to be. Memorized Bible verses may not come to mind as easily.

Yet, you are called to servanthood. Let’s have a maximum willingness to do what we can do for God - now. So, if we are to embrace a servant identity, what does Jesus ask us to do today?

What is the Assignment?

Influence the arriving generations. How? Slow down and extend yourself to have a conversation with a non-family member who is thirty years younger than you. At the next church service, talk with them after the service, find a way to meet for coffee, or invite a young couple out for coffee or lunch. This is the face of your service. Don’t wait for someone to approach you; take the initiative – you reach out to them. The arriving generations don’t need your credentials; they need your time. Today, select a younger family, couple, or single and become their prayer covering. Get a picture of them. Take note of the challenges they are likely to face at their stage of life. Pray for protection over them and that God’s wisdom will enter their life. Abolish the negative idea, “These days, about all I can do is pray.” Instead, declare: What I can do is pray. Serve! Notice children around your church and community who do not have a grandparent present. Adopt a child or two as foster grandparents. Your “holy children” (my long-standing term for our grandkids) may be about grown or live far away. But nearby, there is a child whom you can pray for, attend their school events, buy token gifts, and share the love you have to give. You will bless and be blessed. Serve!

There was a time when Jesus had you doing something different but be as diligent as an ant in what He would have you do today, which is to impact those who come after you.

James was intentional in his introduction, “James, a servant . . .” An ant is intentional in carrying out its responsibility. My appeal is for Sage-agers to also be intentional. For only by intentional action(s) can we influence others.

Picture yourself six months from now. A young couple texts to ask for advice. A child runs up to hug you at church. A 30-year-old tells you, “You’re the first person who really listened to me.” You will be wearing the same badge James wore: a servant’s badge. It is the only badge that matters.

How can we influence those with whom we do not interact?

The answer: we can’t. So, let’s be intentional about connecting with the arriving generations today.

The author has two books focused on the Sage age. Saging Well - the Best is Yet to Be is available as an audiobook, ebook, large print, or print at Amazon. Elder, Tell Me Your Stories at CarltonCoon.com is a hard-bound legacy book of questions to help tell your stories to others. 20% of revenue is donated to UPCI Sages.