5a Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder.
The apostle Peter requires the younger believers to submit unto “the elder”. Apparently, such submission to “the elder” is with respect to the latter’s age as well as office in the church.
It is not uncommon to hear of young men viewing older folks as outdated and outworn. Young people tend to spurn the ideas and suggestions of older men. They show frustration with older men’s cautious and patient approach to matters; they even judge the latter to be slothful or obstructive. To add insult to injury, some young people seem to have lost all proper manners, behaving rudely and crudely towards elder Christians. Such uncouth, impudent conduct runs counter to the divine counsels.
Scripture demands that young men must show respect unto the elder. “Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:32). Reverence for the elderly must be inculcated as being part of the fear of God. If we fear God and keep His commandments, then we must also show respect and submission to the elder.
Young people must realise that years of learning and experience will have added greater wisdom and understanding to a godly elder. Indeed, “The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness” (Proverbs 16:31). So, there is much wisdom in submitting to a godly elder. Respect for age is not only good manners, it also constitutes wise and godly conduct as taught in God’s Word.
Godly and pious aged men can be a great source of wise counsels and guidance. Having accumulated years of experience, they are qualified to be young people’s advisers and guides. Their biblical instructions should not be rejected. In fact, it is to the young people’s advantage that God has provided them with godly elders in the church. They should not only show respect, but should also diligently seek and follow their wise counsels.
What if an elder is wrong? What if he has spoken or acted unwisely? 1 Timothy 5:1 advises us to “rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father”. We must not adopt a harsh, crude manner when we correct him. Rather, we must with meekness persuade him. We must appeal to his mind, showing politeness and respect due unto a father.