Young but Not That Young

It bothers me when I see the same disregard for elders in today’s youth that I remember from my youth. But I do not fear. I know the lessons are sinking in, no matter how much they want to pretend they are not. They are growing more than I realize, more than they realize. And if they manage to survive adolescence with their faith intact, with a general appreciation for Biblical authority and humility before God, they will likely do as I did—catch up as quickly as they can, find respect for the previous generation a bit later than should have been the case, and then go on to become frustrated at the stubborn, headstrong nature of their own children. God willing, we will continue the aggravation for many years to come.

I want to play my Timothy to his Paul. As the apostle wrote in 2 Timothy 2:2, one generation teaches the next generation to teach the generation after that. This book is intended to keep the train of teachers and students going a little while longer. My prayer is that it will find its way into the hands of young men and women who have the desire to serve in the Lord’s church but are struggling a bit to find their place. My prayer also is that they will find that place and embrace it with a bit less resistance than I put up when I was in their place so many years ago.