Intergenerational Respect

Titus 2 is a vital section of Scripture, as it pertains to how the church is to help one another. The emphasis is on generations and how they are to live in light of being followers of God. But there is also a clear emphasis on older generations teaching younger generations, and it seems that Paul had that especially in mind for older women to teach younger women.

For that to happen at a deep and impactful level, though, there must be respect, and it must flow both ways.

The older women must respect the stage of life those younger women are in, and seek to remember how difficult it was. They have to accept that some things are different and try to understand the world in which these younger women are trying to start homes and families and the trials they face.

But here is something I notice as I look around various congregations. Often, the lack of respect is the other way. The younger women are not willing to listen to the wisdom and advice of the older generations. Many, having been raised in the me-first mindset, are not willing to listen to the advice of these “out of touch” women. (“After all, this isn’t the 1950s anymore.” Yes, I’ve heard that said.)

For the church to be strong, the respect must flow both ways. Older women need to be willing to patiently and lovingly guide and mentor those who are younger. Younger women need to be willing to hear the wisdom and realize that it is timeless and from good hearts.

And the same is true of us guys. When an older Christian man gives advice, it needs to be heard with a respect for the lifetime it took to gain that wisdom and perspective. But an older man also needs to love and respect the younger men enough to actually dispense that wisdom and instruction.

No generation has all wisdom, but the Bible makes it clear that Christians are to respect those who are older. The Bible also makes it clear that there is no “retirement age” from living a Christian life, so the wisdom of the older men and women needs to continue all throughout life.

When that happens–and when it is respectfully heard and considered–the church will be far stronger. Because that is God’s way of doing things.

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AUTHOR: Adam Faughn