I re-watched the film ‘We were soldiers’ recently. Based on fact it tells of an early battle between the US army and the Vietcong in Vietnam. The original incident was significant as it spawned the book We Were Soldiers Once  … And Young, by Joseph Galloway

I learned too that Rick Rescola, the man pictured on the front cover of the book was killed in the 9/11 attack on the twin towers. He was last seen with a megaphone, directing his staff to leave the building to save their lives. www.wtj.com/articles/xray/

The other link in my thinking is Virtue Reborn by NT Wright. This important book highlights the important of godly character exercised through moment-by-moment decisions, as we, as followers of Jesus Christ, develop godly habits. What the apostle Paul calls ‘the way of life in Christ Jesus.’

Rick Rescola learned the habit of self-sacrifice as a young serviceman, looking out for those around him. Finally, decades after his Vietnam experiences, he gave his life looking out for others.

We all learn and develop habits. They may not all be good habits.

Matters which appear quite trivial, which ‘don’t harm anyone’ may, in time, become very unhelpful to ourselves and to others.

No wonder Paul says, “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Phil 4.8). One way to avoid unhelpful habits is to pursue good ones!

Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said; ‘sow a thought and reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and reap a destiny.’ As far as I know, Emerson was not a man of faith. But he certainly understood this important truth!

“Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind” (Rom 14.5). Paul uses these words in relation to matters where Christians may have a range of views, what he calls ‘opinions’ (v1). He gives examples: “one person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables, … one person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike“ (v2, 5).

Such is Paul’s generosity of heart that he does not condemn those who hold different opinions. Scripture allows for varied expressions of faith. Indeed, the different circumstances in which we live, from place to place, from generation to generation, etc, seem to demand different life choices within the bounds of the principles of scripture.

Paul’s conclusion is that we have a responsibility towards those who take a different view. He says we must not pass judgment on others (v10, 13). I suggest that this is a mark of spiritual maturity. Instead of promoting and pursuing own our preferences and opinions, we have genuine concern for others.

Further, we should be restrained in our words. The writer of Ecclesiastes says, “be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God … therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes with much business and a fool’s voice with many words … Let not your mouth lead you into sin  … why should God be angry at your voice?” (Eccl 5.1-7).

Be “fully convinced.” Read scripture; be prayerful and thoughtful. But there is no obligation to constantly speak our minds. We may have our “opinion” on everything, but we are not required to express that opinion at every given opportunity. The book of Proverbs has many references to restrained lips, e.g; “even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips he is deemed intelligent” (Prov 17.28).

Let us be these who bless and inspire, as well as inform and educate! And perhaps there are opinions which can keep to ourselves!

Enoch walked with God 300 years (Genesis 5.22).

Whilst I have not yet met any Christians with such a life span, there are those who belong to The Bridge Church who have been Christians for 40, or 50, or, in some cases, 60 years.

There is huge experience and wisdom in these grey-haired saints.

There remains a window for those younger and younger in the faith to learn from them.

For seniors, the word is to avoid becoming insulated or isolated.