1 Peter 5:5-6

1 Peter 5:5-6

⁵ In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

I have been working with you for a long time and this passage gives much insight into what I have seen played out in life.  Those that are younger should always submit themselves to those who would be called their elders (teachers, parents, authorities, etc....) But notice it does not stop there both the elders and the younger are instructed to clothe themselves with humility toward one another.  I have often heard of humility being defined practically as the ability to put anothers needs before my own.

What I have seen is that too often the younger do not respect or submit (obey) the elders.  But I also see much of the time the elders not willing to put the needs of younger above their own.  I believe this is partly why we have such disconnect between generations in the church.  Why we see little of the older discipling the younger and why that divide seems to be growing.  There is no question that both sides are to blame and that it will take both sides being willing to put verses such as this in practice.  But I do believe that their are many adults and many teens that are leading the way in this and they are having great success.  My prayer is that their example would spread to the rest of the church and be a spring board for really exciting days ahead as we learn to encourage each other and see Christ glorified in our actions.