Respect The Elderly

LEVITICUS 19:32 NLT 32 "Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the LORD.

When I was young a popular idea was that you should not trust anyone over the age of 30.

Now that I have lived many years I see how that idea was from the devil -- who would like to steal good things from people by cutting them off from the wisdom of those with much experience.

1 TIMOTHY 5:1a NLT 1 Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father.

Why should we respect the elderly? First, because they are people made in the image of God and we should respect everyone -- regardless of age.

Second, because by living you learn. If you pay attention, the longer you live, the more you can learn.

JOB 32:7 NLT 7 I thought, 'Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age.'

It's not always true that an older person has learned what they should. But to ignore their experience and wisdom gained from many years is not wise.

1 PETER 5:5 NKJ 5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."

Young people are not the only ones devastated by pride, but they are particularly susceptible to it. Aging has a way of curing pride in most of us as we experience the struggles of life.

We need both the energy and exuberance of youth and the wisdom and experience of the aged. Too often the elderly develop an attitude of giving up on overcoming certain problems because of past unsuccessful attempts, while the young tend to think anything is possible. Youth often have zeal without knowledge, while older people often have knowledge but lack zeal. So we need input from both young and old.

It should be stated clearly: young people, you need the wisdom and experience of old people. And older people, you also need the strength, energy, and enthusiasm of young people. To be at our best, we need each other.

Whatever you face, someone older than you has already faced it. You can learn from both their mistakes and their successes.

SAY THIS: I will respect the elderly.