Every younger generation benefits from the wisdom of sages. Too bad so many of today’s could-be-sages are distracted by the fountain of youth.
There’s something very sad and, honestly, quite unattractive about mothers who try to compete with their daughters. With fathers who would rather be “best buds” than dads to their sons.
Granted, the men and women of my generation have been long schooled to obsess on our bodies and, whatever the cost, maintain the appearance of youth. But, what does this do to our minds? What is the price paid by children? Grandchildren? Children in our neighborhoods?
Every younger generation deserves the wisdom and experience that is most naturally mentored by an older generation. But, in this present culture, we parents and grandparents seem to resist acting our age. Isn’t this rather selfish? If we’re absentee from the role of mentor, to whom are we abdicating?
The older generation hasn’t evolved, says the world. So, girls! Boys! Follow your heart! Listen to your instincts! Rubbish! How typical of the world to offer deceptive counsel. But, people who call themselves “Christian” should know better. We should value the wisdom that comes with age. Experience. Spiritual maturity.
As I was preparing the keynote address for a women’s conference, I was drawn to passages from 1 Timothy 5. There, the Apostle Paul is speaking to young Timothy like a father. He is inspired by the Holy Spirit to offer instructions for the church. Something the church is called to do is honor the widows, especially those who are truly left alone. What got my attention was the distinction made between an “older” and “younger” widow. Verse 9 notes that a widow is eligible for church assistance if she is not less than 60 years old. The one who has been a faithful wife of one husband, has a reputation for good works, has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of saints, and has cared for the afflicted is considered to be a wise woman who won’t bring shame to the congregation.
But, what about a younger widow; a woman less than 60 years of age? The household of God is to encourage her to marry and manage her household; if possible, to have children. Why the clear distinction of age here? Because, as real life has a way of proving out, younger women are more captive to their passions. They are more tempted to romantic desires, idleness, and gossip or saying things they should not. They are more easily deceived by worldly trends and led away from Jesus Christ.
What do you think of that? Does this make sense to you?
God’s Word consistently through Old and New Testament reminds the older generation to mentor the younger. The Creator of life entrusts children to parents; not to their peers. He wants parents and grandparents to tell children and grandchildren about the wonders of God’s work. This includes all the lessons learned over the course of time and in the midst of challenges. So, when a man or woman refuses to accept their age, resists learning from past mistakes, and clings to the foolishness of youth, woe to the young ones in their charge.
As for me? Well, I admit I don’t like the gravity of age. My head, after all, still thinks creatively. Enthusiastically. Optimistically. Laughter is good for my soul – and others.
But, given to me are priceless years. Years of experience. Years of lessons often learned the hard way. Years of seeing God at work in my life. Why would I want to keep that all to myself? Where is the shame in acting my age?
Ezerwoman's Blog 
Thank you for this insight, Linda. You have again put words to a problem so prevalent that it easily lingers before us unnoticed, and when something smells rotten, few are willing to call it out as unacceptable.
How can a young woman understand “how to be holy in body and spirit” (1 Corinthians 7:34) when her mom dresses in a way that attracts the attention of all the men in a department store? When she hums along to any filthy song that comes on the radio?
And I find it frustrating that some parents of people in my generation seem to see no other way to get to know their son’s girlfriend/daughter’s boyfriend than to buddy up to her/him as if on a peer level. As children mature, there is a time and place for treatment as “peers.” But a line must be drawn at the expense of loosing the significant and needful distinction between “older” and “less experienced.” Certainly, this is not possible if parents refuse to see, cherish, and impart the wisdom they have been given.
Young people in relationships need wise role models. If they are dating purposefully, with marriage in mind, wouldn’t it be nice to look to two mature, engaged, and considerate parents who have walked similar steps before? I think so. And I wish more would see it this way, too.
Linda, just finished the study of Timothy in our weekly neighborhood Bible Study that I help lead. Two of the 6 of us are widows, 2 of the 6 divorced, and 2 of the 6 married, so we found these verses quite interesting…especially since the other widow and I are over 50 but under 60. We feel like we are ‘tweener’ widows; not in the ‘older’ widow category but hopefully past the issues of the ‘younger’ widow. Something we definitely need to keep mindful of in our work environments and our home and church lives as well!