Actions Speak

"Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord"- Leviticus 19:32 (NIV).

God mandates respect for elders (Ephesians 6:1). Sounds like the onus of action is on the younger people, but God has mandates for the gray-headed as well. An elder's actions speak God's sound doctrines. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women are also to be reverent in their behavior, not gossipers and slanderers, or drinking too much wine. Our actions teach the younger brothers and sisters what is good and acceptable to God. We are to say "No" in this present age of ungodliness and "No" to worldly passions, while we all wait for the coming of the Lord Jesus. By redeeming us from this wicked world, God has set aside a people for Himself who are eager to do what is good (Titus 2:1-5, 11-14). Elders' actions should imitate Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1) and the younger, who have heard and seen the word of God in action, are to consider their way of life, and imitate the faith of the elders, learning to revere God (Hebrews 13:7).