When it comes to teaching and learning, whether matters of faith or other aveunues of learning, typically it happens in this way. An older person teaches those who are younger. The learning, knowledge, and hopefully wisdom of years and experience are utilized to guide those who are younger, who have not had the experiences, in the hope that they learn from what others have endured. It's the picture of learning that has been in existence pretty much since the creation of this world.
We learn from those who are older than us, by and large. Sure, there are exceptions where the younger has something to teach the older, but in the general scheme of the world, knowledge is passed from the older generation to the younger generation. So it really shouldn't surprise us to learn that the same dynamic would be found when it comes to matters of the Christian faith.
Likely, you already know that God calls parents to teach the matters of the faith to their children. A quick perusal of Deuteronomy 4 and 6 will highlight the importance of doing this. And then, as we gather as God's people, there are also additional dynamics that can also aid in the faith formation of younger people. The more that older, more mature (we hope!!!) Christians can interact with younger Christians, the more likely it is that faith and its related matters are passed down well.
In other words, as Christians, both young and old, we are called to cross the line. Cross the generational lines to learn what those who are older than us have experienced and learned along the way. The older are to cross the line (even when they aren't sure how they will be received) to show an interest in those who are younger, and as that relationship builds, they also have the opportunity to share their wisdom and experience as it relates to matters of the Christian faith. In that respect, everyone then becomes a winner.
Here's the rub. This usually doesn't just happen. It requires intentional work to cross the lines. Given our nature, we tend to stick with what we know and what is comfortable. To cross the lines means we enter a world which is unfamiliar to us. That requires patience as we learn the inner workings of this new world, and as we learn the people who inhabit that world. It sometimes requires that we be quiet and learn, so that the things that we don't understand may become more clear, and then, suddenly, we have an opportunity to relate our faith to the life of the person across that line.
Crossing the line is not easy, but then again, the best things in life are rarely easy. So with whom will you "cross the line" in the near future? Who knows, you just may have your faith life changed for the better by doing it!
We learn from those who are older than us, by and large. Sure, there are exceptions where the younger has something to teach the older, but in the general scheme of the world, knowledge is passed from the older generation to the younger generation. So it really shouldn't surprise us to learn that the same dynamic would be found when it comes to matters of the Christian faith.
Likely, you already know that God calls parents to teach the matters of the faith to their children. A quick perusal of Deuteronomy 4 and 6 will highlight the importance of doing this. And then, as we gather as God's people, there are also additional dynamics that can also aid in the faith formation of younger people. The more that older, more mature (we hope!!!) Christians can interact with younger Christians, the more likely it is that faith and its related matters are passed down well.
In other words, as Christians, both young and old, we are called to cross the line. Cross the generational lines to learn what those who are older than us have experienced and learned along the way. The older are to cross the line (even when they aren't sure how they will be received) to show an interest in those who are younger, and as that relationship builds, they also have the opportunity to share their wisdom and experience as it relates to matters of the Christian faith. In that respect, everyone then becomes a winner.
Here's the rub. This usually doesn't just happen. It requires intentional work to cross the lines. Given our nature, we tend to stick with what we know and what is comfortable. To cross the lines means we enter a world which is unfamiliar to us. That requires patience as we learn the inner workings of this new world, and as we learn the people who inhabit that world. It sometimes requires that we be quiet and learn, so that the things that we don't understand may become more clear, and then, suddenly, we have an opportunity to relate our faith to the life of the person across that line.
Crossing the line is not easy, but then again, the best things in life are rarely easy. So with whom will you "cross the line" in the near future? Who knows, you just may have your faith life changed for the better by doing it!
No comments:
Post a Comment