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Godly Example
One of the greatest problems in the church in the US today is the lack of connection between generations. Often older Christians have trouble identifying with the music and methods of the younger generation, and the younger generation scorns the experience and godliness of the older generation. This is the opposite of what the NT says to do:
"The New Testament places strong emphasis on imitating leaders. It also gives strong words to leaders that they be worthy of emulation. As a Christian you owe much to others who have taught you and who have modeled for you right Christian living. Continue following the good examples of those who have invested themselves in you by investing your life through evangelism, service, and Christian education. You also must become a model worth emulating. (The following Scripture verses are quoted from the NIV.)
• Matthew 11:29: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.”
• Philippians 3:17: “Join with others in following my example.”
• 1 Thessalonians 1:6–7: “You became imitators of us and of the Lord…. And so you became a model to all the believers.”
• 2 Thessalonians 3:9: “We did this … to make ourselves a model for you to follow.”
• 1 Timothy 1:16: “In me … Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him.”
• 1 Peter 2:21: “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
• 1 Peter 5:3: “Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
(See also 1 Corinthians 4:16 and Hebrews 6:12.)" [1]
Seek out an older Christian with wisdom and experienced godliness and ask if they might mentor you. This is BADLY needed in the church today and in all of our lives.
Godly Example
One of the greatest problems in the church in the US today is the lack of connection between generations. Often older Christians have trouble identifying with the music and methods of the younger generation, and the younger generation scorns the experience and godliness of the older generation. This is the opposite of what the NT says to do:
"The New Testament places strong emphasis on imitating leaders. It also gives strong words to leaders that they be worthy of emulation. As a Christian you owe much to others who have taught you and who have modeled for you right Christian living. Continue following the good examples of those who have invested themselves in you by investing your life through evangelism, service, and Christian education. You also must become a model worth emulating. (The following Scripture verses are quoted from the NIV.)
• Matthew 11:29: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.”
• Philippians 3:17: “Join with others in following my example.”
• 1 Thessalonians 1:6–7: “You became imitators of us and of the Lord…. And so you became a model to all the believers.”
• 2 Thessalonians 3:9: “We did this … to make ourselves a model for you to follow.”
• 1 Timothy 1:16: “In me … Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him.”
• 1 Peter 2:21: “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
• 1 Peter 5:3: “Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
(See also 1 Corinthians 4:16 and Hebrews 6:12.)" [1]
Seek out an older Christian with wisdom and experienced godliness and ask if they might mentor you. This is BADLY needed in the church today and in all of our lives.
[1] Bruce B. Barton and Grant R. Osborne, 1 & 2 Thessalonians: Life Application Commentary, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1999), 144.
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