Vantage point
Respecting age
OK, I realize older people can get cranky and defensive
about “the way things used to be.” The older we get, the more “the good old
days” dominate our thoughts. And often, the older we get, the better they seem
— though in reality those days of fond memory were seldom as good as we
remember them.
But the church is changing by leaps and bounds, and on many
fronts the group of believers that is increasingly left out in the cold is
older Christians. And, church, we need them.
Society as a whole has changed dramatically. Courtesy is no
longer a de facto part of the upbringing of children. Expressions of
appreciation are increasingly rare, and the valuing of the aged among us is
nearing extinction.
Unfortunately, some of this has even crept into the church.
Churches today are overwhelmingly crafted to appeal to
younger congregations. I have been told, on more than one occasion, “They have
had their day. If anyone needs to sacrifice, it should be them.” Many older
saints are willing to do that. Some have told me, “I don’t enjoy the music, and
I can’t relate to a lot of the things we do, but when I see young people
excited about serving Jesus, I know it is worth it.”
Most older saints are willing to take this view if God is honoring
the changes. But it is hard on most of them. They are experiencing culture
shock.
And they deserve consideration.
More than consideration, they deserve notice. Our older
saints have something to give. Contrary to the trend in our society, the church
should honor and respect them.
Young Christians need to become their friends and absorb the
heritage of the godly aged among us.
I call upon younger believers and pastors to consider the
needs of older Christians, become involved in their lives, and receive the
wisdom they have to give … before it’s too late.
Ken Horn
E-mail your comments to tpe@ag.org.
