So, I just celebrated a birthday. 45. Yikes! I remember when I was in my teenage years, 45 seemed really old. Now, not so much. Well, somedays it feels really old but I know there are those who are much older than me and also those who are much younger than me. I’m just in the middle. And the middle has a very peculiar view.

People talk much about divisions along the lines of color, socioeconomic status, and political views. I believe those are all true. But from the view in the middle, I also see a great divide among the generations – older and younger. And from my vantage point as a pastor, I especially see this divide. There is not a week that goes by in the church that I don’t have a conversation about or deal with some issue regarding the separation between those who are older and those who are younger.

So, please allow me to speak to both groups. I mean, it is my birthday?!

 

To those who are older:

I love you and I honor you. I pay tribute to the sacrifices you have made and the way you have paved. And I have a word for you – INVEST. Invest in the younger generation. Mentor those who are coming after you. They need you! Yes, they are different. Their clothes are a little bizarre, they like strange music, they communicate in their own way, and their outlook on the world is very different. My guess is that when you were their age you were different, too. They don’t need your judgement or resentment. They need your wisdom and experience. Sometimes age – every creaking bone and failing body part – is seen as a liability. But your age is not a liability – it’s your greatest asset. The generations after you need the education and understanding that your age has brought you.

So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim

your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.    – Psalm 71:18

If you’re not dead, you’re not done! Find a way to invest in those who are following in your footsteps!

 

To those who are younger:

I love you and I believe in you. You are the most cause driven, mission minded, passionate generation in history. And I believe you can be the greatest generation in modern history. But you need to do one thing: HONOR. Respect those who have paved the way for you. You don’t have all the answers. Perhaps your generations greatest vice is your sense of entitlement. It’s not your fault really. We’ve taught you this. We’ve made you wear a helmet everywhere you go. We’ve put cages around your trampolines. And we reward you for just showing up. You think the world owes you something and it owes you now. You tend to overestimate what God wants to do through you in the short-term and underestimate what God wants to do through you in the long-term. Be teachable. Be willing to learn. Honor those who have so much to invest in you. Treasure their wisdom and experience.

…a prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives

 and in his own household.  Mark 6:4

Jesus tells us his works were limited in his hometown because of the lack of honor. What could your generation really do if you honored those who have gone before you? Find a way to honor those who have paved the way for you!

 

Invest. Honor. Just some thoughts on the view from the middle.

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