Often enough I hear the words of older brethren who reflect upon their younger years in the Lord and wished they had someone to teach and guide them not only during their youthful single days but also during their pioneering days of parenthood. While this is not true of all, there are many in the body of Christ who are following the same path today. While I’m no prophet it is easy to foresee the same words being echoed by yet another generation who will have wished for the very same thing.
This should not have to be wished for. We are given explicit instructions from the Almighty that the older brethren teach and guide the younger in the way of righteousness. Read carefully the apostle Paul’s words to young Titus. “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things-that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed” (Titus 2:1-5).
Whether it is parents teaching their young (Ephesians 6:4; 2 Timothy 1:5 & 2 Timothy 3:15) or, as in the case of this article, older brethren teaching younger brethren (Acts 15:39; 1 Timothy 1:2; 3:15) the results of such obedience to the will of God bring forth the following blessings:
- There is a generation bridge: not a generation gap.
- The fellowship between these generations is much stronger, making the work of the church more effective.
- The “stronger” church is better able to gain lost souls as a result of the above two points.
With little imagination this can be accomplished very easily. The older men and women need to spend time with the younger.. no excuses. This may be easier to do with women than men but it can still be (and has been) accomplished. It is a matter of (life-changing?) priority! Because we are to grow in the Lord (Hebrews 5:12ff; 2 Peter 3:18) it is a good opportunity to have Bible studies or time spent conversing about spiritual matters that will promote the spiritual growth. Younger men can be encouraged to be faithful (possibly elders, deacons, or ministers of the gospel). Younger women can be taught how to behave (as noted in Titus 2:4-5). The word of God would definitely be honored!
To my fathers and mothers in the faith I urge you to consider your elementary yet awesome role in the Lord’s kingdom. Teach the younger men and women how they should conduct themselves in the house of God. In so doing the church of the living God, which is the pillar and ground of the truth, moves forward yet another generation as a beacon of light in the midst of a crooked world and wayward brethren.
