Let me suggest something that is a part of your faith—but you’ve maybe never thought of it that way:

Respecting your elders.

An ancient law in Leviticus 19:32 says, “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God.”

It easy to lose sight of this kind of respect in our modern day  when we so quickly venerate whatever is young or new and cast aside whatever is old—even when it comes to people.

But our elders deserve our respect.

They have gone through heartache and heartbreak. They have shed tears and fought wars. They have said prayers, supported others, coped with ailing health (mental or physical), seen the rise and fall of governments and regimes, been leaders or volunteers. The list goes on.

Respecting your elders doesn’t necessarily mean that you agree with everything they say.

But it means listening, taking their words and input seriously, lending a hand, giving a seat, being patient and understanding, honouring their life and legacy, and being thankful for their significant contributions, hard-fought wisdom, and all the ways they have invested in the lives of those who have come after them.

Not only does this honour them, it honours God.

Respect your elders.

By Matthew Ruttan

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.