Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren.
—1 Timothy 5:1 (KJV)
There is an eagerness, passion, and a clear sense of purpose that can go with being young — being headstrong, untested, and quick to react is how some older people might describe it. There is a surety with age because of tried and true methods proven over time — staid, predictable, and unmovable is how younger people might describe it. These differences can cause tension and conflict, yet both age groups have something to be learned from the other. No matter how mistaken an older Christian may be, they should be treated with respect from a life proven in faith. But older Christians must also be willing to receive correction from a younger one, especially if it is done prayerfully by a young believer who has demonstrated humility, love, and respect toward older people. Most importantly, we must help each other live passionately for Jesus regardless of age!
O Eternal Father, God of my ancestors' history and the assurance of my future, please help me be a person of integrity, especially when dealing with those not in my age group. Please help me as I seek to be respectful and careful with my tone as I speak with older people. Please help me be pliable and open to change when confronted with my errors by younger people. Most of all, Father, please lead those people into my life who will love me enough to correct me, forgive my errors, and help me grow beyond my faults to become more like Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
—1 Timothy 5:1 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
There is an eagerness, passion, and a clear sense of purpose that can go with being young — being headstrong, untested, and quick to react is how some older people might describe it. There is a surety with age because of tried and true methods proven over time — staid, predictable, and unmovable is how younger people might describe it. These differences can cause tension and conflict, yet both age groups have something to be learned from the other. No matter how mistaken an older Christian may be, they should be treated with respect from a life proven in faith. But older Christians must also be willing to receive correction from a younger one, especially if it is done prayerfully by a young believer who has demonstrated humility, love, and respect toward older people. Most importantly, we must help each other live passionately for Jesus regardless of age!
My Prayer...
O Eternal Father, God of my ancestors' history and the assurance of my future, please help me be a person of integrity, especially when dealing with those not in my age group. Please help me as I seek to be respectful and careful with my tone as I speak with older people. Please help me be pliable and open to change when confronted with my errors by younger people. Most of all, Father, please lead those people into my life who will love me enough to correct me, forgive my errors, and help me grow beyond my faults to become more like Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
