The expression “generation gap” describes a difference between generations — a difference that can involve beliefs, tastes, opinions, moral values, dress, and even expressions in language. Throughout man’s history there has been a “generation gap” between young and old, not only because each era of our life span has its own outlook, but also because this world is always changing. We find an example of this in the Word of God, in Ezra 3:10-13. Some of the Jews were able to return to the land of Israel after the seventy years of captivity and rebuild the temple. When the foundation of the temple was laid, it is recorded that “many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house ... wept with a loud voice; and many shouted for joy” (vs. 12). Younger ones shouted because, for the first time in their lives, there was a divine center in Jerusalem, while older ones wept because this building seemed so insignificant in comparison with Solomon’s majestic temple. The Lord understood both of these reactions, for each was appropriate to the age group involved.
Change
At times the change in this world has been slow, but surely all would agree that in the last century the rate of change has accelerated greatly. Although there have always been differences between the generations, drastic differences were not much in evidence until the twentieth century. Before that time, most societies were not very mobile. Young people typically lived near their extended families and often worked on the family farm or in a family business. But with the advent of entities like movies and television, young people began to experience a world that was quite different from their own.
At least in North America, the various generations in the last one hundred years have been given names. The exact dates may vary slightly with different definitions, but here are the common names for those born between these dates:
1900 – 1924: the G.I. generation
1925 – 1945: the silent generation
1946 – 1964: baby boomers
1965 – 1979: generation X
1980 – 2000: millennials, or generation Y
2000 – 2010: Internet generation (iGen), or generation Z
It would seem that the profound and rapid changes in the world have exaggerated the so-called “generation gap,” and, further, we notice that, in general, the years assigned to the different groups get narrower as time goes on. Changes in the world are happening at a much faster pace, and the changes themselves are more extreme. This is especially true in the area of technology, where the arrival of computers, the Internet, cell phones, texting and Facebook have broadened the gap between young and old. All of this can have a positive effect, for older ones are often pleased with the technological proficiency of younger ones, while younger ones may reach out to older ones for their experience and wisdom.
Negative Effects
However, there can also be negative effects. For example, it is well known today that younger ones often feel free to speak to anyone, of any age, as if they were speaking to one of their peers. While this may not be intended as disrespect, it is certainly taken that way by older ones who are accustomed to being approached by young people with some degree of deference. We who are older may well ask, How are we, as Christians and as older ones, to react to all this?
First of all, young people want, above all, to be treated with respect. This does not mean that we treat them as we would treat older people, but it does mean that we respect them, try to understand them, and respect the fact that their outlook may be different from ours.
In addition, we need to “give of ourselves.” The Apostle Paul did this when he ministered to the various ones whom he sought to nurture in the truth, and we see this in 1 Thessalonians 2:8: “So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.” Instruction is good and much needed today, but cultivating a relationship along with it will add moral weight to the teaching. This may mean being vulnerable — being willing to share some of our life’s experiences, even to the point of admitting some of our own mistakes and failure. We accept advice much more readily if it comes from someone whom we feel that we know.
We also should be willing to overlook faults unless they are so glaring that they must be addressed. Some things will drop off in time, while others may simply be the manifestation of the different culture in which young people live and move today. We need to give them time to mature. Also, we must be careful that our objections are not merely based on tradition. It is easy to fall into certain ways of doing things, and when a particular convention is not followed, older ones can become upset. When western Canada was being settled, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were sometimes accused of making up the law as they went along, to suit the occasion. (This was true, and they even admitted it!) Let us not do that in divine things. Let us be careful to separate Scripture from tradition, and not try to enforce our customs as if they were taught by the Word of God.
Maintain Moral Principles
However, we should maintain the truth, moral principles and absolutes of the Word of God. The precious truth of God’s Word is being challenged in the world today, and the moral breakdown, at least in Western countries, has been nothing short of precipitous in the last few years. Young people are affected by all this, for they are being taught that everything is relative. They need those who hold fast to moral absolutes, backed up by the Word of God. I well remember a young Christian girl who, after a discussion on homosexuality based on the Word of God, commented, “I had no idea there was so much in the Bible on that subject!” This is where older ones can be a real help.
Finally, there needs to be genuine love — divine love. Where real love is present, the generation gap can be bridged, and each can learn from the other. But a critical attitude on the part of older ones can generate scorn and derision on the part of younger ones. This reaction is not right, to be sure, but older ones must take the lead in love and a right attitude, in order to pave the way for a right response by younger ones.
We must remember too that the Word of God is living, and never needs to be revised because of a new generation. It has all the answers, but as we get in 2 Peter 1:3, it is also found “through the knowledge of Him that has called us by glory and virtue” (JND). We need the Word of God, but we need Christ, the One who understands perfectly and who will instruct perfectly, if we go to Him.
W. J. Prost