Tuesday August 29th, 2023
« Never use harsh words when you correct an older man, but talk to him as if he were your father. Talk to younger men as if they were your brothers »
11 There is a generation that curses its father, and does not bless its mother.
12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, yet is not washed from its filthiness.
13 There are people who think they are so good—oh, how good they think they are!
14 There are people who take cruel advantage of the poor and needy; that is the way they make their living.
Sadly, the generation referred to in the Bible reading for today – a generation that curses their own fathers, is living right now in the present times.
This is a generation that is puffed up with pride, believing that they know more than the elders; they even call themselves ‘woke’.
I am not talking about this because I am an elder myself, but rather because I love you and if I keep quiet, I would be a wicked father watching his children heading for destruction.
Indeed, although I have been criticized too many times, I must still say the truth as God has given it to us in the Bible.
Our memory verse today is a clear and divine instruction showing how the younger generation must honor elders. Many youths however, have various excuses for disrespecting and insulting elders.
One of such excuses they give is that no one is perfect. They believe that even an elder can be wrong and corrected accordingly.
That is correct; an elder can indeed be wrong, but while the Bible does not prohibit you from correcting him or her, it clearly says you should intreat such as a father or mother and not rebuke.
When you criticize anyone in public, that is a rebuke (1 Timothy 5:20); it is against the word of God when done to elders.
If an elder has done something that you think is wrong, you could send him or her a message or write a letter stating politely what you think would have been correct; he or she would at least take cognizance of what you have said and make adjustments where necessary.
Also, in the Church, while the youths may feel they have a lot of knowledge and are very agile, you must still give honor to the elders.
You shouldn’t just set them aside.
You may have a lot of knowledge, but they are more versed in discerning the will of God.
They have walked the path that you are walking and have a robust wealth of experience that you can gain a lot from.
Give them the honor that they deserve.
In fact, the Bible says that you should give them double honor.
« The elders who perform their leadership duties well are to be considered worthy of double honor (financial support), especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching [the word of God concerning eternal salvation through Christ] »
1 Timothy 5:17 AMB.
Application: Honor your elders.
Author: Bishop Enoch. A. Adeboye.
Edited by Naomie
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