1 Tim 5:1,2 Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. Treat older woman as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your sisters.
I grew up with very little positive influence in my life. The result has been years of misdirected mistakes and pain.
We see God's plan for a young person's growth here. For a young married man these are some critical keys to growing in the Lord.
- In dealing with older men; these are the men who are going to impart valuable wisdom into our lives.If we don't appeal to them with respect they will be hesitant to invest in us due to our haughty nature.
- In dealing with younger men; as we learn and grow we need to be our brother's keeper. Talking to younger men as our brothers allows generations of sharing, accountability and growth. Young men need encouragement and to be held to a standard.
- Jesus had an incredible compassion for woman as 'the weaker vessel' and 'our equal heir to the throne'. If we treat all older woman as we would our mothers we submit ourselves to opening doors, standing so they can sit, not using profanity in their presence & going out of our way to serve them.
- Perhaps the most critical of the four is treating younger woman as our sisters. How would you feel about your sister being in an adult movie? Would you undress her with your eyes? Lust after her while with your wife? Or would you protect her when some scoundrel is disrespecting her?
Our romantic desires are to be directed at our wives and only our wives. If we focus our attention on anyone else we have less desire for the one God has given us.
God, you created the family model as a pattern for growth in our homes, churches and communities. Help us O God, to be mindful of our roles in the surroundings You have blessed us with. Thank You Gracious Father for Your teachings, may Your Word fall on healthy soil.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
Jason Hunt