Another Year Older, Another Year Wiser

I turned 30 on February 26. I’ve seen various memes and TikToks about how when one hits their 30s, they tend to care less about what others around them think. You supposedly become less self-conscious and really “come into your own.” But here’s the thing – for as long as I can remember, I’ve never acted my age. I don’t mean I’m immature; just the opposite, in fact. I might as well be sitting in a rocking chair sipping a cup of tea while stroking one of five cats.

In all seriousness, I’m an old soul. I’ve never been one to go clubbin’ (do the kids still even call it that?). If I receive an invitation that has me out past 9 pm, it’s an automatic, “so sorry, I already have plans (to be in bed by then)”. Sure, people joke about this aspect of my personality. It doesn’t bother me (that much).

What I’ve found is that this is a good way to live. It’s not for everyone, but it’s certainly kept me out of trouble. Instead, I try to focus my energy on helping others around me. I find this not just to be a productive use of my time, but greatly appreciated by the recipients. It’s harder to be judged by others when you spend most of your time trying to do good. I would, however, like to warn you that it isn’t easy.

There’s a passage in 1 Peter I’d like to share with you: “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.’ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:13-17).

I’ve wrestled with this passage a lot. There’s so much to unpack here that I doubt I could do it justice. One of my favorite quotes is “what is right is not always popular, and what is popular is not always right.” Being eager to do what is right doesn’t necessarily mean that what you perceive as being good is something others will, too. Let me give you an example.

In eighth grade, I had a social studies teacher. He was brand new to the school, and many of my peers didn’t respect him. One day he told us we’d be switching the seating chart around, and all of the students agreed they’d ignore it and continue to sit where they always had. I stood at the back of the class and refused to do so. I received the stink eye. I was looked down on. But I knew fighting against an authority figure who was just doing his job wasn’t the right thing to do. I was already not popular. What did I really have to lose?

Thankfully I didn’t suffer much for doing it. Sure, there was momentary discomfort I felt as I looked out over the sea of students who thought they were being funny and that they’d actually emerge victorious in this situation. I ended up getting a student of the month award from that teacher down the road. But the point still stands that I knew what I was doing was right in my heart and God was proud of me for making the right call.

But I’m not done yet. I’d like to bring your attention to the second half of that passage that I think often gets passed over or ignored.

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

When you have the moral high ground and know it…don’t be a jerk about it. Don’t act arrogant like you’re better than anyone else. When you do this, it negates the importance of why you’re doing it. Jesus is the “founder and perfector of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). We look to him for the strength to do what we know we should, even when it’s hard. He doesn’t take pleasure in us rubbing it in other people’s faces. If we want to direct people to the source of our behavior, being smug isn’t the way.

As we all continue to get older day by day, let us also strive to grow “…in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Because in the end, His is the only opinion of us that matters.