Respecting Others

   The church body is no different from the rest of society in at least one area. The composition of a congregation mirrors that of the society around it. Made up of persons of all ages, there is the possibility of a generation gap, where members of one age group do not hear or want to hear what the others age groups say. This is probably the most evident in the interactions of the older and younger adults.

   The old look at the young and see a lifestyle that embraces the culture outside the church. Sometimes the older members perceive a disrespect of the opinions and wisdom of their generation. There is a tendency on the part of both ends of the age spectrum to feel that theirs is the correct way, and that the other just does not want to understand.

   But all of this does not have to cause conflict in the body of Christ. Each part needs to really hear what the other is saying. Each needs to put aside perceptions and understand where the other is coming from. It may be true that the younger group of adults have more passion and see the older as impediments to progress, as they define it, where the older may see a brashness and an unwillingness to acknowledge tradition and maturity. Conflict arises when either, or both, fail to take into account the ideas and wisdom of the other, when in fact, they 'know' what is right and that the other just does not want to see. Hardness of position divides the body into antagonistic groups where there should be cooperation and acceptance.

   Now, lest anyone think that my church is about to split because of conflict, let me put that to rest. Our pastor is a wise 'forty something', working in a church with a true multigenerational bent, and he tries to embody the Kairos model of prison ministry, where I also serve, an example that each person, no matter the age or position, should emulate:

   Listen, Listen, Love, Love

   Really listen, really listen, really love and really love. Listening with the heart as well as the ear, understanding another's position and reasoning, getting beyond prejudice and stereotype, seeing what is perception and what is  real, and a genuine respect for another. Now these are worthy goals, for the church and for the individuals contained therein.

   What a witness to the world is a harmonious church body and what a witness to society is a person who is a true respecter of others.

  Let me promote the one by being the other.