There is a well-known advertising slogan in the United Kingdom: “Does exactly what it says on the tin.” This was an effective tool for the company that used it to promote its fence paint.
Product labels let consumers know what they are buying and what the product can do, so when we shop, we look at the label. But what happens when we put labels on people or ourselves or buy into labels others have placed on them or us?
When we make assumptions about anyone based on factors such as appearance, wealth, social standing, or physical condition, we are labeling. That, however, is not how God sees any of His children. In the first chapter of the Bible, we learn that man – the true, spiritual identity of each one of us – is created in the image and likeness of God, Spirit, and that “God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31).
The Bible never reports Christ Jesus as commenting on or giving attention to anyone’s outward appearance. He looked only at the true, God-created identity of each person, which is wholly spiritual, and this perspective brought healing.
I find it especially helpful to reject the “too old” label, which is based on false assumptions about what people over a certain age are like and are able to do. I have always been very active – running, climbing mountains, and doing all sorts of outdoor sports. It can be tempting to give in to opinions of well-meaning family and friends who, on occasion, have suggested that perhaps I should no longer engage in such demanding activities.
Of course, I don’t want my family to worry about me, and I certainly don’t do anything reckless. But I know that God didn’t create me to joyfully express qualities such as vigor, strength, ability, confidence, focus, and discipline for only a few decades and then watch those gifts decline.
The Christian Science textbook, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” advises, “Never record ages. Chronological data are no part of the vast forever. Time-tables of birth and death are so many conspiracies against manhood and womanhood. … Man, governed by immortal Mind, is always beautiful and grand. Each succeeding year unfolds wisdom, beauty, and holiness” (Mary Baker Eddy, p. 246).
Recently I took up lifesaving, or lifeguard, training, and despite being the oldest trainee in my club, I am able to keep up with the swimming requirements and have even been improving. Before each training session, I make sure to prepare myself metaphysically by firmly establishing in my thought the spiritual fact that with God all things are possible. I especially love this verse in the Bible: “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
The Lord’s Prayer asks God to “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever” (Matthew 6:13). I love this confirmation that all power comes from God, Spirit. So it’s not a physical body that we rely on for speed and strength, and we needn’t be tempted to believe that evil can result from expressing vigor.
In addition to enjoying the physical challenges of lifesaving, I have found that I can bring a unique perspective to club practice evenings. Being more than double the age of most of the other participants, I have been able to share insights born of life experience.
Let’s refuse to allow the belief in age to tempt us to feel or be limited. God doesn’t see anyone as so many years old – or young. The only label that belongs on any of us is “ageless child of God, made in His image.”
Adapted from an article published in the Aug. 18, 2025, issue of the Christian Science Sentinel.
