Generational Unity
How important is it that we engage genuine generational unity? I am convinced that this is of central significance for your congregation, for the ARC and for the fruitful advance of the Kingdom of God in your city. Okay, let’s throw the world in there too! But . . . I mean it.
I don’t merely want to argue for this. I want to know it experientially. Perhaps it is an emotional consequence of turning 60. But I am persuaded that this is a part of the thumping pulse of the Holy Spirit. So, yes, I will argue for it but, dear God, help us to break through into this desire of Your own heart.
It may be on the edge of hermeneutical danger to apply an Old Testament prophecy to our present situation. When Gabriel spoke to Zechariah about John (Lk. 1:13-17), he referenced Malachi 4:5-6. John certainly fulfilled that. However the Scriptures are quite plain that a second John the Baptist-type ministry will precede the Second Coming of Christ. Consequently, I think we can properly re-apply this Malachi passage to our present state. It would appear that the turning of hearts of an older generation to a younger generation (and vice versa) will be both a necessity and a sign of that desired Reality.
Why would that be true? Let me offer a few humble thoughts:
Jesus’ profound prayer in John 17 highlights His repeated request for unity of all believers as a platform by which the world would see Christ. Generational unity must certainly be at the heart of that prayer.
I was once young and now I am old(er). I remember young. I saw no barriers and was willing to walk into the teeth of the lion. Having survived, myself, by grace and mercy, I still feel the fire, but am significantly tempered. I must have obtained some wisdom along the way, right? Yes, right! But I lack some of the vitality I used to run on. It’s a bit like watching my daughter and son-in-law care for my two granddaughters. I am in awe that they can do that. I know I can’t. But I did it! Six times!! (Sue helped a bit.) Now I’m very good with my grandpaternal status and quite aware of my insufficiency otherwise. Those little girls benefit from what I give them, but their parents are doing the main work. Sue and I are looking to help them at every turn we can. There it is-generational unity leading to the conversion and discipling of the next crew.
Allow me to oversimplify-the main issues are wisdom and vitality. Not that the younger generation lacks all wisdom or we older ones lack all vitality. I’m up for the fight. I’m just quite sure that we can’t pull this off alone. I am equally as sure that the younger generation will not get nearly as far as they could if they linked arms with us.
I think it will take purposeful humility on the part of each generation. I’m praying for it and repenting as I see my own pride and self reliance.
Please pray for our annual conference in Toledo, Ohio on April 23-25 entitled, “Altered States: Making Generational Connections.” Come and bring some young folk-or old folk if you’re young!
In the love of Jesus,
Ned