“Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren” (1 Timothy 5:1).
Often the word “elder” refers to the office of pastor. Here, however, the term is used of older men in general. Timothy was a young pastor dealing with older men in his ministry. Frank was a young pastor himself and could have learned much from Paul’s advice to Timothy. Sadly, Frank had very little use for the “old people” in the church. He especially had very little time or interest in the older men. Truth be told, the only reason he took interest in the older ladies is that often they would bring baked goods to his office! One sad night in a business meeting, Frank let several of the older men know what he thought of them. It was a disrespectful situation and a downward turning point in his ministry at that church. Instead of entreating them as a son would entreat his father, Frank harshly rebuked them and misjudged their motives. We all can learn a good lesson from Paul and young Timothy. Old men are not always right. Sometimes they need to be entreated. But such entreaty must always be done with the same love and respect of a son with his father. I hope that is your attitude toward the older folks in your life.
For today: I am an older man, Lord. Help me never to act like I know it all and that I am against everything. Help me to be for You and committed to the encouragement of believers younger than me.