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While preparing my six year old’s bath water I noticed the water was too hot for a child. I urged her to retrain from putting her hand in the water, with the natural curiosity of a child she questioned why. I responded “MY SKIN IS TOUGHER THAN YOURS BECAUSE IT’S OLDER, YOUR SKIN IS VERY SENSITIVE NOW.”

Immediately I thought of my 80 year old grandmother, who I’ve watched pull hot pans from the oven bare handed and unphased. In my meager attempts to copy her, I’ve quickly dropped the pan to bring relief to my burning hand. There are certain things I presently can’t and won’t be able to do because I AM NOT CONDITIONED TO HANDLE IT. So, I don’t despise the instructions of the pioneers and trailblazers of previous generations. Each generation holds a piece to the puzzle one will never possess otherwise tapping into the respective generation’s knowledge. Nothing happens on the earth that hasn’t been, there are just different levels to what’s taking place, so each group has something to offer.

THAT WHICH HAS BEEN IS WHAT WILL BE, THAT WHICH IS DONE IS WHAT WILL BE DONE, AND THERE IS NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN.

ECCLESIASTES 1:9 NKJV

YIELD TO ONE ANOTHER

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Respect the wisdom of your elders. In their maturity there is much to be learned. Through years of service to God and simply living, they’ve been conditioned to handle more and are seasoned to share for your strengthening.

The knowledge of the mature will sharpen your gifts and refine your purpose. Through submission, your vigor, passion and eagerness will be cultivated by their guidance. Somethings they tell you may appear to be said out of routine or an “old way of thinking,” but listen to their wisdom, with prayer follow and you will flourish.

TAKE FIRM HOLD OF INSTRUCTION, DO NOT LET GO; KEEP HER, FOR SHE IS YOUR LIFE.

Proverbs 4:13 NKJV

To those that are older, in mutual submission, do not neglect to embrace the youth and your younger counterparts. They offer a fresh perspective and fresh insight into emerging and present issues. Progressively adolescents draw away from adults and spend more time with their peers. Guidance and wisdom can teach them to take the proper stance, once our youth are empowered they can mobilize one another. And who better to influence them than one of their own!?

FATHERS, DO NOT EXASPERATE YOUR CHILDREN, SO THAT THEY WILL NOT LOSE HEART.

COLOSSIANS 3:21 NASB

Let’s maximize on this opportunity to propel God’s earthly kingdom, through mutual submission and honor to each other! 

 Check out this 5 minute video by Apostle Axel Sippach on intergenerational relations!