Pass It On

Psalm 71:17-18(NKJV)

V. 17 O God, You have taught me from my youth, And to this day I declare your wondrous works.

V. 18 Now also when I am old and gray headed, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.

There is much talk in our society about how bad this generation of young people are, some say they are lazy, undisciplined, not caring.

That may be true in some cases, but I hate generalizations, there are many young people doing great things.

As we get older we should do our best to not take our wisdom and experience with us, but leave it here for the next generation of young people.

Pass It On – To transfer something you have received, whether it is information, inspiration, motivation, or life experiences and lessons.

For some it could be cooking recipes, diet and nutritional information, exercise routines, financial advice, career advice.

It could be family or history of your race and culture; nothing like first hand information.

Some challenges for us older people:

1. Take the time to really listen to our youth

Proverbs 18:13(NIV) To answer before listening that is folly and shame

Even young people have a story, so listening first is the key.

The opportunity ti talk will eventually arise.

Part of being wise is learning to listen.

2. Give wisdom with love and concern for our youth

Wisdom builds up, never not tear down, but build up.

If our only encounters with young people is when we are tearing them down then we are missing it.

To be also harsh, belittle, demeaning can ruin a person’s self-esteem.

3. Rebuked our youth when necessary

Proverbs 27:5(KJV)

Open rebuked is better than secret love.

Caring for someone in your heart but remaining silent when they are making poor decisions is not right, it can be more harmful later.

When someone knows that you care it will be easy to rebuked when necessary.

Initially the rebuked may not be taken well but it is not about us, it is about the long game.

It may take time but hopefully that person comes around.

This society of young people need discipline, structure, rules, i believe most want that.

Ephesians 4:15 says tell the truth in love.

4. Never condescend to the youth

Never act like you are superior to young people because you are older.

If we want respect we have to be respectful, so never talk down or belittle a younger person or anyone.

This generation of young people are and will continue to do great things, let us help them by passing on what we have received.

Some television news media and social media outlets only paint bad pictures of our young people.

So let’s not just complain but let’s “Pass It On”, we need the younger generation and they need us.