Some may wonder what all the fuss is about. Others may not be interested in it at all. Still, some might want to understand better and possibly may even read a little to educate themselves. Growing up, I was always strongly “encouraged” to have respect for those who were older. I can still hear my mother’s voice telling me, “Respect your elders!” As we get older, we can try to do all within our power to slow down the aging process, but ultimately the signs of time spent in the physical body will be clearly recognizable. One of the ways we can distinguish the older from younger is the shade of their hair. While many ladies may take advantage of hair coloring products, most men will allow the shades of gray to gradually invade their head until there is no more hair to consume. For some, gray hair comes at a very young age and may not be a sign of their maturity or age at all, but for most, the shades of gray change with the years until one is considered a senior or “seasoned” citizen.
As we study the very important subject of the leadership of the church or the God-given office of elders, it is imperative and vital to the church that both men and women take special notice of their lives and goals of serving the Lord in His church. The proverb writer penned, “The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness” (Proverbs 16:31 NKJV). We may not be able to stop our hair from turning different shades of gray, but we can and ought to grow in grace and knowledge as we age (Ephesians 4:15; Philippians 3:8; Colossians 1:10; 2 Peter 3:18). This way, when we are older and our heads are silver, we might be found to be righteous and be recognized as one deserving of honor. Simply having gray hair is not a prerequisite for glory or honor; righteousness is! If a man is to serve in the capacity or hold the office of elder, he must have the qualities that inspiration has deemed necessary for him to serve (1 Timothy 3:1ff; Titus 1). One does not have to have a complete grasp or superfluous hold on every quality, but he must be one that clearly possesses each quality and is continuously growing in them. As we consider the office of elder (and deacon), we must also consider the wives of each and the qualities they are to have as well (1 Timothy 3:11), knowing that all Christian men and women are to strive to live godly lives (Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 4:31; Philippians 4:8; Titus 2:2-3).
Let us teach our young children the joys of serving God and doing the very best we can to imitate our precious Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ in all things (Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 1:7-9; 2:6). Let us teach our teens the importance of making the proper and right decisions when tempted to serve other gods by forsaking the assemblies of the church (Hebrews 10:25-26; Romans 14:19; 1 Corinthians 14:1; 1 Timothy 6:11). By doing so, when they become young adults, they will be more apt to seek after a spouse that will help them serve God faithfully and help them attain their eternal reward. If they are blessed to have children of their own (being well grounded in the faith), they will be more inclined to teach the same things taught to them.
When these things are the priority of more Christians, there will not be a famine in the church for godly leadership when we enter into in the fall and winter of life. Much work needs to be done prior to one serving as an elder and a wife of an elder. Let’s not wait until we recognize the many shades of gray!
