Recently, the owner of a large orchard started to remove old apple trees that had been bearing fruit for many years. The old trees were in bad shape from over fifty years of bearing fruit. The owner realized that the yield was down and the fruit was of poor quality.

He decided to remove all of the old trees and plant new ones. The new ones were smaller in size but produced fruit that was superior. Four trees could be planted in the space that one tree previously occupied.

In our churches today, do we have individuals who have been doing the same task to the best of their ability year after year? As an 82-year-old person, I'm wondering whether it is time for some to step aside and permit younger members with new ideas to come in.

1 Timothy 4:12 – Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (NIV)

I don't suggest a 100-percent turnover. But is your church possibly ready for 50 percent of new people on your committees? It is so important that the older, replaced members do not feel discarded, but still have an important role to play in the church.

This same owner donated a root of one of the older trees to a woodworker, who produced a beautiful bowl from it.

Likewise, the older members should be commemorated for their devotion, service, and strength as they assist new members in their role.

Prayer: O Lord, we live in a world of change. Help us to remember that we can expect changes as we go through life. In all of the changes that will happen, enable us to have love for all people, today and forevermore. Amen.

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About the author:

William Hamblen <whamblen@cogeco.ca>
Brockville, Ontario, Canada
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