What a great night we had the other night. Our Prime Timers (55+ group) and our High School students got together for dinner. It was great to see them hanging out, eating and singing together and getting to know each other.
This is something that I think so many churches miss... the chance for young people and to connect with older people in the church. There is so much that each can learn from each other.
James 1:5 tells us “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” The first place we need to go for advice is to God Himself. Then we should seek wise counsel from those God has put into our lives.
In 1 Kings we read about King Rehoboam who has to make an important decision. The people of Israel go to him and this is what they say:
“Your father was a hard master,” they said. “Lighten the harsh labor demands and heavy taxes that your father imposed on us. Then we will be your loyal subjects.”Rehoboam replied, “Give me three days to think this over. Then come back for my answer.” So the people went away. Then King Rehoboam discussed the matter with the older men who had counseled his father, Solomon. “What is your advice?” he asked. “How should I answer these people?” The older counselors replied, “If you are willing to be a servant to these people today and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects.” But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers. “What is your advice?” he asked them. “How should I answer these people who want me to lighten the burdens imposed by my father?” The young men replied, “This is what you should tell those complainers who want a lighter burden: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! Yes, my father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!’” – 1 Kings 12:4-11
Like Rehoboam, many of us, teens included, will sometimes reject the wisdom of our elders and listen to some pretty dumb advice from peers. I love the fact that our teens can spend some time listening to their elders and connecting with them. We could learn so much from the older generation of our church if we took the time to slow down and listen. There is so much wisdom there.
I am blessed with a great friend and mentor back in New York, a godly man who I had the honor of working alongside at a church years ago. Whenever I have a tough decision to make, I will call him and seek his advice.
Who are your “elders” that you go to when you need some wise advice? I pray you have godly people you can rely on.
"For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers." –Proverbs 11:14
"Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice." –Proverbs 13:10