Bridging The Gap!

As we consider the work of the church we ought to recognize the benefit in utilizing all resources available. This, of course, must be done with the truth and Will of God in mind. In the age of youth there is glory to behold. Youth recognizing what they have to offer in life can experience the great joy of bringing glory and praise to God. However, the challenge is to see that capacity while at the same time not shutting out what another age has to offer.

In the age of adulthood, there is much splendor to also be acknowledged with the willingness to allow God to do His work in and through it. However, that too can be focused on to the point that those who are younger are slighted and not given the opportunity to be utilized to their fullest potential.

In bridging the gap between young and old within the Body of Christ we must guard against viewing “senior saints” as the church of yesterday and the “youth” as the church of tomorrow! What about the church of today? Together that is what they (we) all are! What we must do is seek to find out how the God glorifying abilities and characteristics of youth and those of the older generation can benefit and complement each other while being used in service to God’s glory.

Solomon stated…
“The GLORY OF YOUNG MEN IS THEIR STRENGTH, but the SPLENDOR OF OLD MEN IS THEIR GRAY HAIR.” ( Proverbs 20:29 ESV)

The New Living Translations reads, “The glory of the young is their STRENGTH; the gray hair of EXPERIENCE is the splendor of the old.” [NLT, © 1997, Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House.]

The high energy and enthusiasm of youth (harnessed within the framework of the truth of God) dare not be overlooked. Young people ought to recognize the volume of service the STRENGTH of youth is able to offer in the Name of the Lord. However, this must be done while at the same time recognizing the tremendous benefit of tapping into the great WISDOM of the more seasoned saints within the Body of Christ. Though there are many new things today, those who have been around awhile still have more insight and understanding than youth may realize. (On the other hand I have also seen how youth sometimes have more insight than that for which credit is given.) There are things the aged have experienced that need not have to be experienced by youth so that the time can be spent experiencing that which truly benefits and brings joy rather than regret to life.

Developing a respectful (and that goes both ways) and loving bond between young and old will help create an atmosphere within the church that stands to benefit all. As we serve together -- bringing the WISDOM of age and the STRENGTH of youth together -- there is much that can be accomplished to the glory of God and the growth of the Body of Christ, His church. May we allow genuine love and respect to bridge the gap so that there be no hindrance to God doing His great work in and through us.

Have a great day LIVING AND WORKING AS THE ONE BODY OF CHRIST!
Carl

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