Young and Old Together

(Prov 20:28 NLT) The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.


This morning we continue in the book of Proverbs. Here Solomon teaches us that both the young and the old have their advantages and can therefore add value in different ways to the Body of Christ. And that's what it is all about. None of us is as good as all of us. It takes all of us to make up the body. While teaching on the collective Body of Christ Paul said, "The eye can never say to the hand, "I don't need you." The head can't say to the feet, "I don't need you." In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary" (1st Cor 12:21,22). While we are different parts - with different giftings, callings, weaknesses, and strengths - we all need each other to make up the Body. You may not do what I do, but I may not do what you do, so if either one of us were missing from the Body, then there would be a gap that only we could fill.

The young take pride in their strength and agility, and there is nothing wrong with taking care of one's physical body, just as long as you are willing to use that strength, vigor, and vitality for the Kingdom of God. But make no mistake, scarcely are the young considered wise. They may have vigor and vitality, but most require assistance in understanding how to properly channel that energy. And that is where the older generation comes in. Older believers may not have strength and agility they once had, but their many years of experience have afforded them the opportunity to grow in grace and wisdom. It would make sense, then, for the younger generation to respect the older generation's understanding and experience.

Neither group (young or old) should despise the other, for both can add value to the Kingdom off God. In the Apostle John's first letter he addresses both groups, saying: "You veterans were in on the ground floor, and know the One who started all this; you newcomers have won a big victory over the Evil One... You veterans know the One who started it all; and you newcomers-such vitality and strength! God's word is so steady in you. Your fellowship with God enables you to gain a victory over the Evil One" (1st John 2:13 & 14). The Veterans had the advantage of being there for the long haul. The newcomers had the advantage of learning from the veterans and then coupling everything the veterans taught them with their own personal experiences. This enables the newcomers to be much further along than the veterans were when they were babes in Christ.

Why? Because the newcomers were not starting from scratch. It is never God's design for your children to have to start where you started. The Father wants the young to take advantage of the wisdom already garnered by the old. Why learn the same lessons your forefather already learned? Learn from them and then couple the wisdom they gave you with the wisdom you gain through your own personal experiences. This way you can make maximum use of your strength!

So what does this mean to you? A few things:
1. The youth have the strength, vigor and vitality, but they may not have the wisdom to channel that energy the right way.
2. The old have the wisdom gained from many years of experience, but they may not have the strength to maximize it anymore.
3. If the young and old come together they will cancel out each other's weaknesses and the Body of Christ will be much more effective!
4. Whether you are young or old, you can add value to God's Kingdom!

Father, I thank You for this revelation. This is a life changing Word. I declare, by faith, that I will maximize my purpose and potential while I am in the land of the living. I allow those that You have blessed with many years of experience to pour into me. And I am committed to pouring into others all those things that You bless me to receive. I channel my energy the right way, I partner with the other generation, and together we shall make the impact that You desire for us to make in the earth. Young and old, together, making a difference! In Jesus' name. Amen