THE GENERATION GAP

Every generation has a different approach to life- different perspectives and values, different ideas, attitudes and life style. Many in the older generation look down their nose at younger people- their dress, their conversation, their music and their approach to life. They think the youngsters are going too far.

Many in the younger generation, on the other hand, think that the elders are a bunch of old fashioned nuts. They disregard the opinions of the elders saying it is legalism. Thus there is a lack of understanding about each other in both the camps.

This generation gap is evident in churches too. “Should we have hymns or modern praise and worship?” “Should we wear formals or casuals?” Many elders like to have a full one hour Bible teaching in the services; for the youngsters anything more than twenty minutes is boring.

We live in a world that is constantly changing. Imagine how monotonous a world without change would be! Whereas people in the older generation are generally resistant to change, the youngsters go too far and blindly mimic the world.

While the elders need to be careful in being not too quick to resist every change, the younger generation need to see how far they can go without breaking Scriptural principles. The elders need to examine whether they are parading their culture and tradition in place of Scriptural values . They need to exercise a lot of restraint and patience in their dealings with the younger generation. They are often guilty of being too harsh and quick to pass judgement on the youngsters when the appearance or life style of the latter is unacceptable to them .The youngsters, too, need to realize that sometimes they are in danger of blindly adopting the standards of the world instead of holding on to Biblical principles.

Here are some general guidelines in helping to bridge the generation gap:

* The young need to realize that the elders are not always wrong. What you consider as legalism may be very close to Scriptural standards. Therefore they need to have the humility to accept the wise counsel of the elderly.

* The elders need to examine whether they are holding on to “religious tradition” in place of Scriptural principles.

*They need to be very patient, and not expect  instant maturity from the youngsters.

*Let the love of Christ, the Agape love, be the guiding principle in all relationships.

And finally, let us not forget that our God is a God of many generations. One of His favourite titles is “the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” In the Body of Christ there is no young or old; but we are to be “a holy generation.”, 1 Peter 2:9. We live in a fragmented world which is crying to see a manifestation of real love. And what an opportunity for us Christians to demonstrate the power of reconciliation and restoration through Christ!

Please look at the following Scripture passages for further insight. Ephes.3:4; Mathew 15:3; Acts 2: 7,8; Lev.19:32; ! Peter 5:5; Malachi 4:5,6; Ephes.6:1-3; Deut.32:7; Heb.13:7; Acts 2:17,18