Psalm 78:2-4 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, Which we have heard and known And our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children, But tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done.(NASB)
A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to run into an individual that I graduated high school with thirty years ago (1978). I did not recognize this person right away, but this person had happened to be wearing a name tag on a neck lanyard. I did recognize the name immediately. As I look again I did see the resemblance. But shamefully my first thought about this person was about how much older they looked. Thankfully I only thought this and did not say what I was thinking. I also must admit that I am sure that they would probably be thinking the same of me. Although when I look in the mirror I do not see the same aging. (I of course jest)
Now that I have been reminded again of my fleeting and probably extinct youth, I again re-examine my next responsibility of handing down to the next generation the "faith of our fathers". Sadly, I have wasted much of the time with what God would judge to be preferential issues. Certainly for years I tried to present the best witness to the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Not a trivial matter at all!) But I also spent much of the time trying to hold on to pseudo-convictions of outward rule keeping, and worship practices. I use to believe if the next generation did not follow the same music, bible version, and clothing standards as I have followed then that generation would be lost forever.
It has been in the last couple of years that I have repented from such practices. My demanding my way of worship for the local church services was more about pride than it was about pleasing God. I have since realized that God has given each generation the freedom to find it's unique worship styles according to the abilities He has blessed them.
My responsibility to the next generations is to introduce them to the Lord Jesus Christ want to not only offer Heaven for eternity but a loving relationship with Him. I am to show them the Word of God (in a version that is easily understood for them) that is to be learned, loved and lived out in my life and theirs. I am also to show, by example a prayer life that is real, and alive. Making it obvious that God is real and alive in my life. Then finally (and probably most difficult) I am to show them how God has used the talent and gifts in my life to be used in the lost and dying world around us. Then I am to instruct and encourage them to do the same, but realizing that it my not be in a manner that is comfortable to me still within the guidelines of God's Word.
It is sometimes easy and comfortable to believe that something new may not be Godly, but we must be careful not to twist, manipulate, or conjure up scripture to prove our preferences to be convictions. Example: I grew up in the Chicago area in the 60's and 70's. A favorite childhood show of my generation was Garfield Goose. My generation gets a warm feeling just at the mention of it. It would be foolish and unfair for our generation to force the next generation to understand and like this in the way we did. They have other choices more to relate to in their time. It is unbiblical to force the next generation to follow your generations worship style. To say that no new music styles can be used is also unbiblical. Every generation deserves the right to make their mark in worshiping the Lord within His guidelines, not our preferences.
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