Calling All “Aged” Christians

Greg Gwin

Paul indicated to Titus that certain duties are to be enjoined upon those who older.  They are to teach the younger people by word and deed.  Notice:

 {1}But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: {2} That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. {3} The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; {4} That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, {5} To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. {6} Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. (Titus 2:1‑6)

It seems that there some factors which are preventing these commanded activities from being fulfilled.  For instance, in a culture which is infatuated with youth, it is harder and harder to find any men or women who consider themselves as “aged.”  In past generations, those in their 40’s and 30’s (to say nothing of those in their 60’s and 50’s) would have regarded themselves as obligated by these duties.  Today, folks are insulted if you hint that they have attained to an age where they ought to take these commands as a personal responsibility.  Maybe some of us need to “wake up,” and realize that we aren’t “spring chickens” any more!  There is clearly a job here that the older, wiser and more mature Christians need to be doing.  Let’s get busy!

But, there is another factor which also influences this situation.  There’s a disturbing trend in which people isolate themselves from others who are not in their age group.  The younger ones exclude the older ones, and vice versa.  Certain ones only like to associate with others in their own “circle.”  They prefer to exclusively interact with those of their “clique.”  It especially seems that some of the younger ones never seek to engage those who are older.  When this happens, many good and helpful relationships are never allowed to develop.  We do not mean to imply that this is done intentionally.  But, in so much as such situations do exist, young folks are missing out on an important influence that God desires for them to have. Let the “aged” ones realize who they are, and let them take their God‑given responsibilities seriously.  Let the younger ones realize the importance of a strong, positive relationship with those who are older.  We can do better!