God’s Continued Call

Scripture Readings: 1 Timothy 5:1-2 and Proverbs 16:31

Paul recalls Timothy’s faith, which was passed down from his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice in his letters. He shows the importance of honouring the wisdom, faith, and legacy of the elderly. While Timothy is young, Paul encourages him to draw strength from the generations that came before him. This reflects the respect Paul holds for older believers and their role in shaping future generations.

1 Timothy is a pastoral letter written by Paul to Timothy, but it is also a message to us who believe in Jesus and are called to shepherd one another as we follow Jesus as the Good Shepherd. As family in the Lord, we are to be spiritual family, teachers and leaders to one another, and while there is a need for dialogue, rebuke, and guidance, a judgmental or heartless manner is not to be displayed in our relationships.

In 1 Timothy 5:1-2, Paul encourages treating older persons with the same respect as one’s parents. He emphasizes that we should treat older men as fathers and older women as mothers. This points to an attitude of respect and care in our interactions with the elderly. In the same way we care for our biological family, may our church treat older members with dignity and honour, showing deep reverence for their wisdom and experience.

In many western cultures, there is an effort to minimize generational differences through familiarity, but cultural attitudes toward the elderly vary widely. For instance, South Korean culture stands out for its deep-rooted respect for the elderly, and the Korean language has honorifics that are used to demonstrate respect for the elderly. Younger individuals are expected to address elders with respectful terms and use polite speech forms.

In public spaces, younger people give up seats for the elderly, and it is customary to serve older people first at meals. Acts of kindness and deference toward older people are highly encouraged in society. The elderly are viewed as the bearers of knowledge, life experience, and cultural traditions, and their guidance is sought and valued. While not without flaws, South Korea’s approach to honouring and supporting the elderly sets an example of intergenerational respect and harmony.

In verse 2, when pastors and leaders, or each other, communicate with colleagues or people younger than themselves, they should treat young men like brothers and young women like sisters. This is a call to mutual respect and equality; neither should be arrogant toward the other.

In his letters, Paul recognized women friends or Jesus’ disciples. Lydia was a great help to the church and to Paul personally (Acts 16), and several women in the closing chapter of Romans were thanked for their hard work (Rom 16). Paul’s warning to Timothy was that the pastor must not take advantage of his position and compromise the name of Christ.

The proverbs 16: 31 highlights that aging is not something to be hidden or avoided but celebrated. Gray hair symbolizes wisdom and life experience. The verse connects a long life with righteousness, underscoring that aging with grace and faithfulness is a testimony to God’s guidance and wisdom throughout one’s life.

Older members of faith communities serve as a source of wisdom and faith for the younger generation. Their personal experiences and spiritual journeys can inspire and mentor others. When we’re all getting older, may we will be better equipped to pass on lessons about faith and God’s faithfulness over time.

Today’s text reflects God’s command to honour and look after the elderly. As a family in Christ, may we provide not only emotional and spiritual support but also practical care for the elderly. As the years go by, may we value the ongoing contributions older persons can make in the life of the church, whether through prayer, service, or sharing their wisdom.

God continues to use the elderly for His purposes, regardless of age. Every stage of life offers opportunities to grow in faith and to be a blessing to others. God is calling us to do His work. May we respond to God’s continued call. 

While aging brings challenges, it also offers a deepening reliance on God’s grace and the hope of eternal life, which remains central to our faith journey. In Christ, may we experience hope and renewal in our daily life.

Theologically, growing older is not an end but a continuation of one’s purpose in God’s kingdom. The elderly remain vital in the church’s mission, whether through prayer, mentorship, or service. This perspective shifts the focus from aging as decline to aging as a season of fruitfulness and continued spiritual growth.

In Today’s text, Paul wisely counselled a respect for age. Age deserves honour. Paul’s relationship with Timothy offers valuable examples of mutual respect between an elder mentor and a younger disciple, which can serve as a model for fostering respect between generations. Let us commit to fostering respect and collaboration between the young and the old, knowing that we all contribute to the body of Christ in creative and powerful ways.

In our modern culture, it’s easy to dismiss the wisdom of the past or overlook the experiences of those who have walked with God for many years. However, Paul shows us that our faith is strengthened when we embrace the heritage of those who have come before us. There is much to learn from those who have walked this path longer than we have.

Respect is a two-way street. Just as the young are called to honour their elders, we too are called to recognize and affirm the gifts God has placed in them. Together, as different generations, may we build a stronger and more vibrant community of faith.

God has called us to set an example for others – no matter our age. In Christ, we are capable of worshipping, praying, praising, serving, helping, leading, teaching, and inspiring through our faith and actions for the Lord, our Leighmoor Church, and each other. As we recognize that it is Christ who strengthens and equips us all for His work, may we respond boldly and actively to God’s continued call in our life journey.

Let me read a poem in the hope that we will all grow older beautifully in the Lord.

Let Me Grow Lovely (by Karle Wilson Baker)

Let me grow lovely, growing old
So many fine things do:
Laces, and ivory, and gold,
And silks need not be new;
And there is healing in old trees,
Old streets a glamour hold;
Why may nor I, as well as these,
Grow lovely, growing old

Thanks be to God. Amen.
(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)