1. What good goal can we set for ourselves when we get older?
As we get older, we may be frightened by the idea that we will no longer be as useful to Jehovah as we were before. It is true that we may no longer have as much strength, but we can use the wisdom and experience that we have gained over the years to help young people to be more useful in Jehovah's organization and take on new responsibilities. As one brother who has been an elder for many years said: "When I began to feel more limited by age, I gave thanks that there were younger brothers trained and ready to do the work."
2. What will we see in this article?
In the previous article, we saw that it benefits young people to befriend older people. In this article, we will see that qualities such as humility, modesty, gratitude, and generosity can help the elderly to work shoulder to shoulder with the young, which will benefit the entire congregation.
BE HUMBLE
3. a) According to Philippians 2: 3, 4, what does it mean to be humble? b) How does humility help a Christian?
If the older ones want to help the younger ones, they must be humble. The person who is humble thinks that others are superior to him (read Philippians 2: 3, 4). Seniors who demonstrate this quality are clear that there are often many biblical and effective ways of doing things. So they don't expect everyone to do them the way they did before (Eccl. 7:10). Although they have much experience to share, they know that “the scene of this world is changing” and that they may need to adapt to new circumstances (1 Cor. 7:31).
ILLUSTRATION:
Series of images: 1. A young circuit overseer teaching at the Pioneer Service School. 2. The circuit overseer and his wife are elderly and reading a letter receiving a new assignment. 3. The former circuit superintendent trains a young brother in the congregation while his wife encourages a young sister.
Older people generously share their experience with others. (See paragraphs 4 and 5.) *
4. How do the circuit overseers display an attitude similar to that of the Levites?
The older siblings who are humble understand that over the years they can no longer do as much as in the past. For example, consider the case of circuit overseers. When they turn 70, they are given a new assignment. That may be very difficult for them, as they loved to serve their brothers that way. They carried that assignment deep within their hearts, and in fact continue to carry it. But they understand that it is better for younger brothers to take care of her now. Their attitude is like that of the Levites of ancient Israel who, when they were 50 years old, had to stop serving in the tabernacle. His joy did not depend on a particular responsibility. With enthusiasm, they did all they could and helped the younger ones (Num. 8:25, 26). Today,
5. What does the example of Dan and Katie teach you?
Take the example of Dan, who was in circuit work for 23 years. When he turned 70, he and his wife, Katie, were named special pioneers. How are you doing on your new assignment? Dan says he is busier than ever tending to congregational responsibilities, helping brethren to be ministerial servants, and training others for preaching in metropolitan areas and in prisons. Older siblings, whether they are in full-time service or not, can do much to help others. How? Adapting to their new circumstances, setting goals and concentrating on what they can do.
BE MODEST
6. Why is it wise to be modest? Give an example.
The person who is modest recognizes his limitations (Prov. 11: 2). She does not push herself for more than she can give, and as a result, she is happy and productive. A modest person could be compared to someone who is driving a car uphill and, to keep going up, must change at a lower speed even if that means going more slowly. Similarly, the modest person knows when to “downshift” in order to continue serving Jehovah and helping others. --Philip. 4: 5.
7. How did Barzilái show that he was modest?
Take the example of Barzilai, who was 80 years old when he received an invitation from King David to join the royal court. This man was modest and refused the king's offer. He recognized that at his age he already had certain limitations and therefore recommended that Kimham, a younger man, go in his place (2 Sam. 19: 35-37). Like Barzilái, the older brothers are happy to give the younger ones the opportunity to attend to certain responsibilities.
ILLUSTRATION:
King David teaches Solomon some of the materials that will be used to build the temple.
King David accepted God's decision that his son would build the temple. (See paragraph 8.)
8. How did King David show modesty when he wanted to build the temple?
King David also set an excellent example of modesty. He wanted with all his heart to make a house for Jehovah. But when Jehovah told him that he had decided that young Solomon would build it, David agreed and gave his full support to the work. --1 Chron. 17: 4; 22: 5. He did not think that he was the best suited to do this job because Solomon was young and inexperienced (1 Chron. 29: 1). David knew that success depended on Jehovah's blessing, not on the age or experience of those leading the works. Like David, older Christians today are active even as their responsibilities change. And they know that Jehovah will bless the young men who now tend to the tasks that they did before.
9. How did a member of a Branch Committee show modesty?
An example of modesty today is a brother named Shigeo. In 1976, when he was 30 years old, he was appointed to a Branch Committee. In 2004, he became the coordinator of this committee. Over time he realized that he no longer had the strength of before and was not as fast in his work. So he discussed the matter with Jehovah and considered the advantages of having a younger brother take his place. Today, he is no longer the coordinator, but is still part of the Branch Committee and collaborating with its members. The examples of Barzilai, King David and Shigeo teach us that a humble and modest person does not focus on the lack of experience of young people, but on their strengths. He will see them as his companions, not as his rivals (Prov. 20:29).
BE THANKFUL
10. How do the older brothers view the younger ones in the congregation?
Older brothers see younger brothers as gifts from Jehovah and are very grateful for what they do. As their strength diminishes, they appreciate that those who are young and strong are willing and able to work to meet the needs of the congregation.
11. How does Ruth 4: 13-16 show that the older ones benefit when they are grateful for the help of the younger ones?
Naomi is an excellent example the Bible gives of an older person who was grateful and accepted the help of someone younger. After Naomi's son died, she told her daughter-in-law Ruth to go back to her family. But when Ruth insisted on accompanying her to Bethlehem, Naomi accepted her help (Ruth 1: 7, 8, 18). And this was a great blessing for both of them (read Ruth 4: 13-16). The older brothers who are humble follow Naomi's example.
12. How did the apostle Paul show that he was thankful?
The apostle Paul is another example of someone who appreciated the help they gave him. On one occasion, he thanked the Philippian Christians for the help they had sent him (Philippians 4:16). Furthermore, he expressed his gratitude for what Timothy had done for him (Philippians 2: 19-22). And he thanked God for the brothers who came to encourage him when he was a prisoner on the way to Rome (Acts 28:15). Paul was an energetic man who had traveled thousands of miles to preach and strengthen congregations. But he didn't let pride stop him from accepting help from his brothers.
13. How can older siblings show appreciation for what younger siblings do?
Older brothers, there are many ways you can show that you appreciate what the younger members of your congregation do. If you offer to take them somewhere, go shopping, or attend to other necessary matters, gratefully accept their help. See it as an expression of Jehovah's love. Who knows if that is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Always be interested in the spiritual progress of these young people. Tell them how happy you are to see that there are young people who are working hard to do more in the congregation. And be willing to spend time with them and tell them about your experiences. When they do, they will show “their appreciation” to Jehovah for the young men he has brought into the congregation (Col. 3:15; John 6:44; 1 Thess. 5:18).
BE GENEROUS
14. How did King David show that he was generous?
King David was an example of another important quality for older Christians to display: generosity. He donated an enormous amount of his wealth to support the construction of the temple (1 Chron. 22: 11-16; 29: 3, 4). He did so although most of the recognition for this work would go to his son Solomon. If you are older and your strength does not allow you to collaborate with our construction projects, you can continue to support them with your donations to the extent that circumstances allow. And share with the youngest the experience you have gained over the years.
15. What things of great value did Paul share with Timothy?
The apostle Paul was also an example of generosity. He invited young Timothy to accompany him on his missionary journeys and taught him his methods of preaching and teaching (Acts 16: 1-3). The training Paul gave him helped him become a skilled teacher of the good news (1 Cor. 4:17). And Timothy, in turn, used what Paul had taught him to train others.
16. Why did Shigeo train others?
Today's older brothers are not afraid of being unhelpful if they train younger brothers to take care of what they did in the congregation. For example, Shigeo, mentioned in paragraph 9, trained younger brothers on the Branch Committee over the years. He did this to support the Kingdom work in the country where he serves. As a result, when the time came to step down as coordinator, there was a capable brother who could take his place. Shigeo continues to share with the younger brothers his more than 45 years of experience on the Branch Committee. Without a doubt, brothers like Shigeo are a blessing in God's people.
17. What can the elderly give to others? (Luke 6:38).
Big brothers, you are proof that serving Jehovah with faith and integrity is the best way to live. His example shows that it is worth the effort to know biblical principles and put them into practice. From their experience they know how things were done in the past, but they also see the importance of adapting to changes. And if some of you have recently been baptized, you also have a lot to offer, as you can tell others why it has made you happy to know Jehovah later in life. Youngsters will love hearing about their experiences and the lessons they have learned. If you are “in the habit of giving” from all the experience you have, Jehovah will bless you greatly. --Read Luke 6:38.
18. How can the old and the young support each other?
If the older ones reach out to the younger ones, they can support one another (Rom. 1:12). Each has something valuable that the other does not have. Older people have the wisdom and experience that are acquired over the years. And young people have energy and strength. When young and old collaborate as friends, they honor our loving heavenly Father and are a blessing to the entire congregation.
HOW DO THESE QUALITIES HELP THE OLDER BROTHERS TO TRAIN AND ENCOURAGE THE YOUNGER?
Humility and modesty
When they are humble they understand that as the years go by they can no longer do as much as before. They recognize that their joy in serving Jehovah does not depend on a particular responsibility. When they are modest they recognize their limitations and that they should slow down but not their love and loyalty to Jehovah. They recognize that there are young brothers who must be prepared to do this work.
Gratitude
They see the youngest as gifts from Jehovah and help train them to serve in positions within God's organization. They accept the help that others are giving them and express their gratitude for that help.
Generosity
You can support the work through your donations. Train young people to serve better in the congregation, share their experiences in what they have done for the kingdom.
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