Third, I speak to the young among us. Seniors have memories of the past, the middle-aged are in charge of the present, but the future belongs to youth and children. It appears to this octogenarian that society must change quickly.
If youth take the Bible too seriously, they, like many of their elders, will ignore such things as global warming, pollution, famine, conflict and other crises known to science. This dare not happen. Much uncertainty, despair, and fear are normal for youth. But this too is normal: Youth are strong, hopeful and visionary. Youth have a larger world view, youth see and hear more clearly, youth learn more quickly and can do more than their elders. Youth are eager to lead.
Finally, the seniors, middle-aged, and youth of this congregation need to communicate with one another. Seniors need to help the youth to believe that the unchangeable can be changed, the immovable can be moved, and the impossible can be done. Youth need the middle-aged to legitimize their vision. The pain of change is followed by the challenges of new life, hope and opportunity.
The next post will conclude the sermon with an autobiographical note and a summary of the desired result of The Old Fool’s preaching.
