Respecting Our Elders

Joe R. Price

The Bible says, “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers…” (1 Tim. 5:1-2). How we treat our elders says something about our values. And, it says something about our regard for God.

Our nation is obsessed with youth. But alas, Ponce de Leon did not find the fountain of youth and neither will this generation. The youth of today, just like all those before them, will grow old and die (Heb. 9:27).

We are alarmed by the disrespect shown to older people by the youth of today. Not all young people are guilty. There are many young people who still show respect to their elders. But there are many others who disdain the aged. They have learned disregard and even contempt for the older generation. They see them as “in the way,” nuisances and inconveniences. Such attitudes and the conduct they cause are deplorable to God and shameful to those who do such things.

Showing disrespect toward the aged displays an irreverent heart. Israel was commanded to “rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the LORD” (Lev. 19:32). We all live in the presence of God. If we are unwilling to show kind regard and respect for those who are older than we are, how shall we ever have a reverent attitude toward God? We are not loving God if we are despising our neighbors, including our elders (cf. Matt. 22:37-39).

To treat your elders with disrespect is a sign of prideful arrogance. One should remember that with age generally comes experience and wisdom. It is wise to listen to the counsel of those who have fought the battles against sin and error we now face. Rehoboam’s arrogant refusal to accept the counsel of his father Solomon’s wise men lead to turmoil and division in Israel (1 Kgs. 12:6-15). Youth can learn much from age. Avail yourself of their wisdom and do not be arrogant in your own conceit.

Respect for our elders begins at home. Children must be taught and be expected to respect their parents. God expects children to “honor your father and your mother,” and He expects parents to train their children to be respectful (Exo. 20:12; Eph. 6:1-4). Rest assured that when disrespect for mother or father is tolerated in the home it will also be on display at school, at work and eventually throughout a nation. If we sow the wind of disrespect we shall reap the whirlwind of despair and destruction!

Respecting our elders does not mean we follow them into sin and error. We must obey God rather than men, even when it is our own father or mother (Acts 5:29; Matt. 10:37). We cannot allow our loyalty to any person keep us from respecting and obeying God!