Remember being told that when you were young? There is a Biblical precedent for it…. Le 19:32 “Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.” Respect would be standing up when they approach, listening when they speak, heeding their advice, and speaking well of them. Respect would be seeing them not as a bother or an obstruction, but a blessing, a guide, a friend.
One more passage….. Le 20:9 “For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him.” Our parents would be “our elders.” God speaks here specifically of the offspring of a man and woman. Notice that it does not give an age limit. To speak evil of our parents when we are older is equally evil.
Yet I suppose our response to those older than us speaks volumes of a person’s nature. What kind of person would be disrespectful to the older man? Not a kind one. Who wouldn’t listen to their advice? – a proud one. Who wouldn’t speak will of them? – the rebel. Are we not to avoid these?
Today, let us go to a godly one that is older than us and shake their hand warmly and thank them for their godly example. It will bless them as well as direct our thoughts in humble gratitude, which pleases our Heavenly Father.
Now go and please the Lord!
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