Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come. (Psalm 71:18)
In the previous devotion, we highlighted the desire exhibited by David to proclaim to others the truths he had learned as a boy and young man. As he grew older, though his body could not perform as it used to, his heart remained strong — his mind and his pen were unabated by the advancing years. At the end of his life, he still longed to inspire others, especially those who were younger — i.e. “everyone who is to come” — to know of God’s strength and power. His desire to inspire and enlighten the younger generation prompts this question — how many of his generation and of those that followed desired to embrace what David had to share?
On multiple occasions, the Bible teaches that we are to honor parents. It is written, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:1-3). We are also commanded, “Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old” (Proverbs 23:22). Moreover, Peter said, “You younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility” (1 Peter 5:5). I could go on and on but the point should be obvious: generally speaking, those with gray hair should be be regarded as knowing more than most of those whose hair has yet to turn white.
In short, to reject the counsel and wisdom of those with more life experience is foolish. We must realize that the command to obey those over us in the Lord, whether parent or church elder, is more than just respecting the position. That is important in and of itself but the commandment, like all the others, contains a key to living a more productive and longer life. When we absorb the wisdom and understanding our elders impart to us, we are more likely to prosper, that is if we heed their counsel. Unfortunately, so many young people — and this would include me when I was younger — think they have it all figured out and that advice from the aged is antiquated and valueless. Only later, and sometimes when it is too late, do the younger learn to appreciate that those with gray hair might know what they are talking about.
It reminds me of an adage, commonly attributed to Mark Twain, that says: “When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.” In other words, the young have much to learn and the older have much to share. Those who are gray headed and have experienced God’s goodness must continue proclaiming His strength and power to this generation and those who are to come. The wisdom, understanding and Godly principles that will help guide others in this life is far more valuable than anything this world has to offer. And so it behooves us all, whatever our age, to seek counsel from those who have an eye on things eternal; and may we be quick to share that wisdom with others.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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