1 Peter 5:5-6 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

Recently, a number of high profile speakers, after agreeing to give commencement speeches at college graduations, later refused to speak. The problem? The students at these universities demanded that these speakers make apologies for stances they had made in the past. The sheer pride of these students drove away the wisdom of some very intelligent people.

Now, we can sit here all day and bemoan the entitlement of today’s youth. But, we must remember that these are the kids of the generation that sang with the Who, “I hope I die before I get old.” Our entire culture puts being young on such a pedestal that we should not be surprised with the youth begin to think they ought to be in charge.

The exaltation of youth produces a lack of humility that is destructive to a culture. According to the Bible, it is the children who are to honor their fathers and mothers, not the other way around. The church, it seems, must lead the way in recovering the truth that with age comes wisdom.

One of the great honors of growing older is to be the vessel through which God hands wisdom on to the next generation. “Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight” (Proverbs 4:1). It is through our elders that we learn about the dangers of breaking God’s laws and the marvel of receiving His mercy. What a shame it would be if an entire generation was too proud to hear that and if an entire generation was too proud to pass it on.
Father, forgive us for glorifying youth. Teach us, rather, to love the youth. And, teach the youth to honor and respect their elders. May we gain great wisdom from those whom you have granted it to. AMEN!

*The symbol on the top of this devotional stands for “Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum.” It is a Latin phrase which means “The Word of the Lord endures forever.” This phrase, based on I Peter 1:24-25, served as the battle cry of the Lutheran reformers as it reminded them that God’s Word alone was sufficient to teach them God’s will. The symbol was on flags, banners, uniforms, and even swords as a sign of unity among those who suffered for confessing their faith in Christ alone. *

Pastor Bob

Labels: word-remains-forever