A Kinder, Simpler Time

1 Timothy 5 The Message (MSG)

The Family of Faith

5 1-2 Don’t be harsh or impatient with an older man. Talk to him as you would your own father, and to the younger men as your brothers. Reverently honor an older woman as you would your mother, and the younger women as sisters.

When I was a child and growing up, I often heard my parents or teachers admonish us by saying, "Respect your elders." I knew this meant I was not to talk back to my grandmother or grandfather. I knew my place when around those considered older, or old enough to tell me what to do. My place was to hold my tongue and be respectful.

That was how I grew up and I never questioned it. It was a natural way to behave. My grandfather used to teasingly say, "Little children should be seen and not heard." We understood this was another part of the 'respect your elders,' command.

Oh, how far we have come since then. Respect has gone the way of many traditions which instilled family values. There was a time when Sunday was a day for families to spend time together, when shopping malls were not the hangout for young family members, and when school sports were not played on Sunday.

1 Timothy is calling us to a kinder, simpler time. The words in this book point us to the value of respect, love and care. Part of respecting our elders is loving them and caring for them; not displacing them as they age, nor ignoring their needs. No, recognizing the value of age and the wisdom that goes hand in hand with living a full life, can have no price tag.

1 Timothy 5