In today's world we typically try to go by first name basis. The old ways of acknowledging someone as Sir or Madam, or Mr or Mrs, or Uncle or Auntie (an affectionate way to address older folks in most Asian cultures) is deemed as old fashioned. I suppose we are trying to follow the post modernist era understanding that no one really owns The Truth and therefore even a child can know more than an adult. Hence, equal respect is to be given all. But here Paul says differently.
Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.
In leadership you will encounter people older than you and you may be needing to correct them. Paul is clearly putting the directions to young Timothy. Yes, correct you must, but do not rebuke. Even with younger people they are to be treated as brothers and sisters. That puts a different perspective on the correction and therefore respect needs to be given at all levels and all times.
Our greatest challenge is anger when it comes to correction. In the event of that someone gets angry, bitterness and strive could emerge and the situation can get out of control. These are wise words from Paul. Something all management books on leadership have mentioned or need to mention.
I rarely blow my top at older men. I have regretfully done it with three. I need to learn how to exhort rather than rebuke. I may have had every right to get angry, but the manner in which I did it was not right. I need God's continued wisdom and direction for each circumstance.
In this chapter Paul also gives some practical advice about widows and elders. There is a need for families and the church to step in take responsibility where needed. Great principles that apply in today's circumstances.
Father, help me to show due honor to each one. I must not think of myself more highly than others. Instead make me a good "son" and "brother".
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