Old-Fashioned?

Read 1 Peter 5:1-14

1. And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you:
2. Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.
3. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.
4. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
5. In the same way, you younger men must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, serve each other in humility, for “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.”
6. So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and . . . he will lift you up. 1 Peter 5:1-6

“You’re so old-fashioned you just don’t understand!” “Well, let me tell you what it was like when I was your age.” On which side of the generation gap do you stand?

A key word in the last chapter of Peter’s first epistle is humble. Yet it is not a word that often describes relationships between young people and their elders. Whether you are old or young, take an attitude check as you read.

Haughty leaders beware, for Peter has strong words in this passage for those who abuse their positions and responsibilities. Suffering again sets the tone, but so does the certainty of God’s grace and power to carry his people through.

The variety of ages among Christians in the early church posed a challenge. The older believers had wisdom to share; the younger ones did not always want to listen to them and follow their lead. Peter told his readers that they could solve their problem by letting the older ones humbly lead the way (1 Peter 5:3). It would take humility from both sides—the young would have to submit to the old, and the old would have to respect the young (5:5).

The lines of communication between older and younger generations have always had a bit of static. Humility toward each other clears up the signal. Pride breaks communication between generations, while humility opens the lines.

Look to those who are older than you for leadership and guidance. Ask them for advice. Consider their input, and when appropriate, let them lead. At the same time, never look down on the young just because they may lack the wisdom that you once lacked yourself.