Intergenerational Relationships

I've learned over the last few years that I have a tendency to glean more, when I focus my attention on a certain book of the bible over a years time, rather than choosing random pericopes in the bible to read in a days time, or even attempting to read the entire bible every year.

I have decided to spend 2014 in 1- 2 Timothy. One of the first things that jumped out at me in my reading was how Paul (the author of this letter) refers to Timothy (the recipient of this letter) as, "my true child in the faith." (1 Timothy 1:2)

Between an older Paul and a younger Timothy, we find a beautiful intergenerational relationship, which are so often vitally helpful to both individuals. Many times in peer to peer (or same age) relationships both parties have similar goals, struggles and aspirations.

These types of friendships are definitely important. However, in intergenerational relationships, many times both parities are able to complement each other well, due to the fact that they are in different stages of life. (A similar relationship is found with Peter and John)

This morning I am asking myself a few questions that I challenge you to ask of yourself...

1. Who (is) are the "Paul's" in my life? (Older relationships besides my parents and grandparents. Normally either double your age or at least 20 years your senior)

2. Who (is) are the "Timothy's" in my life? (Younger relationships besides my children, nieces and nephews. Normally half your age or at least 20 years younger)

3. How intentional have I been in pursuing an intimate, consistent relationship with these people?

4. How can I grow in this area in 2014?

Other passages to ponder...
Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Joshua 4:4-8, 21-22
Joel 1:3
Rm 8:14-17, 12:4-6
Eph 1:22 
1 Cor 12
Titus 2:3-5

...on Phil Robertson and the "church"

My thoughts concerning the recent "colloquy" in lieu of the Phil Robertson interview in GQ Magazine:

As the "church" we are called to be as Paul so eloquently states in 1 Timothy 3:15, "a pillar and buttress of the truth." 

Both of these nouns  (στῦλος and ἑδραίωμα in the Greek) represent a immovable structure that supports or gives stability to something...that "something" according to Paul is the "truth."

If we are the church, we must gracefully, humbly and with hospitality, give support and stability to God's Truth, so that the world around us does not falsely build its foundational structures on non-truths and subsequently fall.

Additional verses to ponder...
Psalm 43:3
Psalm 86:11
Psalm 119:60
Matthew 22:16
John 17:17
1 John 3:18