One other 12 months older, one other 12 months wiser! I hear this extra typically on my birthdays now, and it’s most likely only a good manner for individuals to say I’m getting older. However there may be biblical reality right here: “The glory of younger males is their energy, however the splendor of outdated males is their grey hair” (Prov. 20:29). As we age, we achieve in splendor—in knowledge, expertise, and maturity. The blessing and name then is present in passing this knowledge right down to the subsequent technology: “So even to outdated age and grey hairs, O God, don’t forsake me, till I proclaim your may to a different technology, your energy to all these to come back” (Ps. 71:18).
Mentorship
A singular type of discipleship that may be a useful adjunct to formal counseling is present in mentorship—having a extra skilled, wiser, often older brother or sister strolling alongside to offer steering and develop religion and maturity (Titus 2:1-10). In Scripture, we see this within the examples of Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, Naomi and Ruth, Paul and Timothy, in addition to Jesus and the Disciples. What are some methods a mentor could be a optimistic affect?
Perspective
With age comes expertise. Successes, failures, joys, trials—the ups and downs of life result in a perspective that evolves with time. Paul’s name for older males to be sober-minded (Titus 2:2) speaks to those that have seen and tasted the futility of worldly pursuits and distractions and now have a transparent view that Christ is healthier. Priorities have grown to be consistent with biblical instructing. From this flows a proper steadiness the place household, work, ministry, recreation, and relaxation are correctly lived out in a correct equilibrium. What is really worthwhile and of everlasting worth is pursued each day with ardour and pleasure.
There could be a sure recklessness in youth because the temptations and pull of the flesh and the world depart a short-sighted view of what brings true contentment. That’s the reason the older are referred to as to induce the youthful towards self-control (Titus 2:5-6).
Humility
With age additionally comes what the Bible calls losing away (2 Cor. 4:16). The bodily physique slows and breaks down, succumbs to sickness and illness. The extra classic set are humbled as they face their rising weak point and mortality. However the inside self is being renewed every day! The aged have developed a mature view of themselves—they’re determined sinners in want of grace. They’ve change into extra snug in their very own pores and skin; they’ve fought for years and have discovered to withstand the idol of individuals pleasing and the necessity to discover validation exterior of being a baby of God. The extra senior set are conscious about their limits and perceive that they’ll’t and don’t must do every part. Life will not be about themselves however about loving others. Older people are higher listeners and softer across the edges and have nurtured an empathy and understanding that comes solely by way of studying to depend others as extra vital than themselves (Phil. 2:3). With a humble dependence on the Lord, there outcomes a steadfastness, a resilience, an adaptability, a peace, an inside pleasure that isn’t swayed by altering circumstances.
Delight takes years, many years, a lifetime to beat. Younger adults want steering and exhortation—too typically, the battle in opposition to private ambition, hubris, and self-reliance hinders and wastes years of fruitful potential.
Knowledge
With age additionally comes a greater understanding of the pure rhythms and seasons of life. In every season, there are distinctive alternatives in addition to completely different spheres of affect. The older generations have discovered to make the most effective of their time and to stroll in knowledge (Eph. 5:15-16). Their residing instructions respect such that others will look as much as them. They carry themselves with dignity moderately than frivolity. They don’t seem to be dour (get off my garden!) however moderately a mannequin of faithfulness and proper residing. In knowledge, they study to decelerate, to relaxation within the sovereignty of God, but be environment friendly and purposeful, maximizing their gospel alternatives. Persistence can also be developed over years of seeing God understanding one diploma of glory to a different of their private sanctification (2 Cor. 3:18).
A lot of the problem of youth is determining easy methods to reside nicely, with goal, for the Lord—easy methods to take what’s taught within the Bible and reside it out each day. Whether or not by way of trial and error or by God’s grace, older people have a lot to supply within the sensible software of reality in an advanced, nuanced, complicated, hurried, and messy world.
Crown of Glory
In our youth-obsessed tradition, the marketplace for anti-aging merchandise is booming. Grey hair is seen as undesirable, and hair dye choices are limitless. However the knowledge of Proverbs reminds us, “Grey hair is a crown of glory; it’s gained in a righteous life” (Prov. 16:31). A life nicely lived for the Lord is to be prized and desired. Let that righteous life be one which loves God and others nicely, particularly those that are youthful.
Questions for Reflection
- Who’re the mentors in your life? How have they been a blessing to you?
- Are there causes holding you again from mentoring these youthful than you? How will you overcome these hesitations?
- What sensible steps can you’re taking to be concerned in a mentorship relationship? How can mentorship be employed in your counseling circumstances?
