by: Dr. Allen Domelle
Job 30:1
“But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.”
When studying the previous chapter with the verse above, it all comes together as to why Job disdained the youth. In the previous chapter, Job reminisced about how his life used to be. He remembered how he used to be treated when everything was well with his life. Now that his life was in great distress, he disdained the treatment of those who were younger than he. He disparaged the younger generation by calling names, attacking their works, and comparing their works as futile compared to what it used to be like when God’s blessings were on his life.
As I am now in the middle years of life, I have watched a couple of older generations seem to have the same response towards the youth as did Job. Please don’t take this as an attack because I truly respect the older generation; however, I believe the older generation needs to be careful about how they perceive the younger generation and give them a break. If we are not careful, we will discourage the younger generation to the point where they will never want our influences. Let me give a few suggestions about this topic.
First, the present generation will never compare to your golden years. We tend to look at history through a skewed prism. We see the greatness of our youthful years and what the LORD did without seeing the mistakes and sin that was as present in our youth as it is in the present. It is a false comparative to liken one generation to the next because each generation faces different obstacles. For instance, would those who faced persecution be less of a Christian because their churches were not as large as some of the churches in our lifetime? Absolutely not! Comparing the works or results of each generation is a false measurement.
Second, it is better to encourage and guide the present generation than to attack and demand their respect. Be careful about tearing down what the present generation is doing in an attempt to get them to respect you and what you have done. The greatest way you will earn the respect of the present generation is to encourage them along the way. I have found that when I encourage them, they will be more apt to come to me with questions as to how they should do something. Demanding respect only pushes others away, but you earn their respect through encouragement and example. If you have a bitter attitude towards the present generation, they will want nothing to do with you. Be their encourager!
Third, the present generation would be wise to embrace the older generation. To those who are younger, let me encourage you to stop attacking how the older generation did things. You were not around during their time, and the LORD did use them mightily. You might find that the older generation would embrace and encourage you if you would stop attacking their works and methods. Attacking them is not going to change history, but it will pit you against them; instead, embrace them for what the LORD has done through them. You will gain wisdom and a priceless mentor to help you through your uncharted waters if you do this.
Both the younger and older generations can make a great team if both would give each other a break. Always remember, how you treat the older or younger generations is how you will be treated when you are that age.