My Answer

on Sep 19, 2026

Four generations of women. Aging from young to old. Dreamstime/TCA

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I asked my doctor how I could prevent the aging process. He smiled and said, “Die early.” He was trying to be funny, but his answer was actually profound. I guess there is no other way to defy the aging process other than to die young. – D.Y.

A: From the moment a child is born, the fight against aging and death begins. The mother devotes years to protecting her child. In spite of her loving care, the child has already begun to die. In time, the tangible signs of aging happen. The dentist will check the decay of our teeth. Glasses will be needed to help improve our fading vision. Skin will wrinkle and sag; shoulders will droop and steps become slower and less sure. The brittleness of the bones increases and energy fades. Relying on health and life insurance to cushion the blow proves we’re running a race thinking we can outwit the opponent called the aging process. Almost without realizing it, we’ve begun to move closer to death.

Everyone living today will be dead a hundred years from now, or very close to death. So, we are faced with the question: Is old age only a cruel burden that grows heavier as the years go by, or can there be something more?

Someday life will be over, no matter how much attention is given to staying fit and healthy. More important than keeping the body healthy is to prepare the soul for eternity with the Lord Jesus Christ. Too many nourish the body and starve the soul.

God has conquered death for us through His finished work on the cross. But He requires each person to confess and renounce sin and turn by faith to His Son, Jesus Christ. When this happens, a soul is born again, and in spite of the body that grows old, the soul is filled with hope and eternal joy.

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)