Ducks and Older Christians
by Scott Wagner
Flemington, NJ
Flemington, NJ
A few years ago, wildlife biologists began to notice a
decline in the duck population in a local wetland area. They were
confounded as to why this was happening. A research study was initiated
to find out what was causing the problem.
One day two of the young researchers drove out to the area to begin investigating the site. These men were well educated in their field, and were regarded to be some of the best biologists in their area. When they arrived at the nesting site to begin work, they noticed a nearby farmer who was mending fences. The farmer was an older man who had lived in the area for some time. Being a friendly fellow he went over to chat with the biologists. They informed him about the study they were beginning and that they hoped to find out why the ducks were disappearing breeding area. The old farmer said, “You know I’ve been watching these ducks disappear myself. I’ll tell ya, it’s a fox that’s been eating them.” The researchers disagreed with the gentleman and assured him that ducks are not part of a foxes diet. The farmer said, “Well you can do all the studying you want to, but I’m telling ya that it’s the fox who is the culprit.”
After discussing the problem a little more they said goodbye and went about their business. Eventually, after spending much time and money researching the problem, the wildlife biologists determined that the old farmer was right. The fox was in fact the cause of the decline in the duck population in that area.
This story illustrates a trend taking place in our North American culture today. Older people are generally regarded as non-important and are not viewed as productive members of our society. The attitudes that are pumped at us through advertising and the world around us focus on sex appeal and what the young and successful are doing. Unfortunately, these same attitudes have crept into many evangelical churches and even into our assemblies. Older brethren are often regarded as uneducated, set in their ways, and not open to new ideas or change. We often say that these people stand in the way of growth and progress in our local churches.
What we fail to realize is that God has put some older folks in our midst to lead, guide and teach us. Godly older Christians have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with those of us who are younger in the Lord. The Bible tells the younger men to be subject to their elders and that the older women are to teach the younger women in the practical areas of life. Their views are not to be trashed out the back door and forgotten. We would do well to take heed to these words of Scripture (1 Pet. 5:5; Titus 2:3-5). The older saints have a tremendous responsibility before the Lord. When was the last time you visited or prayed for one of these older believers?
In 2 Chronicles 10:8 concerning king Rehoboam we read, “But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him...” If we continue reading, we find that Rehoboam’s reign was a reign of folly. He was not a wise king. The Lord’s people should beware of the consequences to be faced if we regard our older brothers and sisters as the world does.
The old farmer had wisdom that comes from experience. Older Christians have much to offer the younger and less experienced believers. We should pay attention to what they have to say.
One day two of the young researchers drove out to the area to begin investigating the site. These men were well educated in their field, and were regarded to be some of the best biologists in their area. When they arrived at the nesting site to begin work, they noticed a nearby farmer who was mending fences. The farmer was an older man who had lived in the area for some time. Being a friendly fellow he went over to chat with the biologists. They informed him about the study they were beginning and that they hoped to find out why the ducks were disappearing breeding area. The old farmer said, “You know I’ve been watching these ducks disappear myself. I’ll tell ya, it’s a fox that’s been eating them.” The researchers disagreed with the gentleman and assured him that ducks are not part of a foxes diet. The farmer said, “Well you can do all the studying you want to, but I’m telling ya that it’s the fox who is the culprit.”
After discussing the problem a little more they said goodbye and went about their business. Eventually, after spending much time and money researching the problem, the wildlife biologists determined that the old farmer was right. The fox was in fact the cause of the decline in the duck population in that area.
This story illustrates a trend taking place in our North American culture today. Older people are generally regarded as non-important and are not viewed as productive members of our society. The attitudes that are pumped at us through advertising and the world around us focus on sex appeal and what the young and successful are doing. Unfortunately, these same attitudes have crept into many evangelical churches and even into our assemblies. Older brethren are often regarded as uneducated, set in their ways, and not open to new ideas or change. We often say that these people stand in the way of growth and progress in our local churches.
What we fail to realize is that God has put some older folks in our midst to lead, guide and teach us. Godly older Christians have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with those of us who are younger in the Lord. The Bible tells the younger men to be subject to their elders and that the older women are to teach the younger women in the practical areas of life. Their views are not to be trashed out the back door and forgotten. We would do well to take heed to these words of Scripture (1 Pet. 5:5; Titus 2:3-5). The older saints have a tremendous responsibility before the Lord. When was the last time you visited or prayed for one of these older believers?
In 2 Chronicles 10:8 concerning king Rehoboam we read, “But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him...” If we continue reading, we find that Rehoboam’s reign was a reign of folly. He was not a wise king. The Lord’s people should beware of the consequences to be faced if we regard our older brothers and sisters as the world does.
The old farmer had wisdom that comes from experience. Older Christians have much to offer the younger and less experienced believers. We should pay attention to what they have to say.
From the April 1990 issue of Milk & Honey
