My word teaches you that though the outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. Do you think this is a special case referring to the short term experience of a few individuals? In the long term it applies to everyone. People can accelerate or retard the effects of aging by the way they live, but time will win in the end. This may be a hard reality to face in a culture that values youth and beauty so much, but it is part of my plan and design from the beginning. Don’t ignore the second part of the passage which is the real message. Look at the advancement of years as a process in which you can become sharper and more focused on the things that really matter. 

Do you admire people who have great willpower? Perhaps it should be termed won’t power. They won’t give in and won’t be swayed from their determined course. Yet how do you distinguish this from willfulness? This refers to stubbornness. Willpower is commendable if it is used for admirable ends, but my word commends those of a broken spirit and a contrite heart. There is too much of human effort in willpower, which in Biblical terms is the works of the flesh, and not enough of divine grace. Human strength will not accomplish the works of God, and those who serve me effectively have learned that my strength is perfected in their weakness. 

Are you tired? Accept my invitation to come to me, all ye who are weary and heavy laden, and you will find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Do you think that rest alone will restore you? If you are trying to do more than I assign you no amount of rest will restore you. I gently chided Martha who was careful and troubled about many things. When I give you an assignment I give you the ability and strength and all other resources you need to carry it out. If you take up burdens of your own choice where will you find the resources to carry them? Be content with the burdens I give you, for these are custom made for you. 

Have you encountered would-be evangelists who attempt to spread the gospel message by attacking other faiths? In a courtroom a witness who is combative and troublesome is called a hostile witness. Unfortunately the same concept applies outside of courtrooms. There are some doctrines that are essential to the gospel message, and these are basic and simple. Is it necessary to bring up the doctrinal differences you have with other denominations when you present the gospel to the lost? This only confuses them and presents the Christian faith as contentious. The gospel is a positive message. Present it that way.