Community of All Ages – 7 July 2008

Society should be a community of all ages, young and old. Unfortunately though, older people are normally ignored by younger ones, and they in turn find it difficult to understand the language of youth culture today.  Maybe the groups are more separated now than ever in history, with a widening age gap, technological advances, and musical tastes.  This is not the same in all cultures.

A few years ago I heard an Australian speaker, John Smith, who described time he had spent with Hopi and Navajo Native American Indians.  He said how times of celebration in these communities involved all ages marching hand-in-hand together, and the elders of the community were the older members and respected for their greater wisdom.  He added that he could quite happily have lived in that community, if only he could have added knowing the real Biblical Jesus.  Hearing this made me think that our culture has gone wrong.  We have lost our commitment to the older generation, and I think it would be very sad if we let things continue in this polarised way.  I think this is an issue the Church needs to show the way on.

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12.

Jesus challenges us to treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves. Most of us will grow old, so it begs the question how we would we like to be treated then. The Bible also tells us to respect the elderly (Leviticus 19:32), and says that wisdom is found amongst them. (Job12:12).

This week I thought I would base the devotionals on interviews with three of the older members of our congregation at St Matthew’s. I hoped to find out what their lives have been like, how their faith has changed, and the challenges and encouragements they’ve faced.

Today – thank God for someone older or younger than yourself. Why not plan to talk to them on Sunday?