Humility, the Queen of Virtues for Both the Old and the Young
The fact that there is a “generation gap” within biblical fundamentalism should not be a surprise to anyone. This is what generations do: gap. The main issue is to determine the best way to bridge the gap. Humility must be exhibited by both the “younger” as well as the “older” fundamentalists. As a forty-four-year-old, I feel as though I am in a kind of generational limbo, being neither very “young” nor very “old.” As such, I offer perhaps a different perspective than others.
Generational Humility
I remember when I first came to New England seventeen years ago to serve in a church as an assistant pastor. In addition to my pastor, there were also four older, retired pastors at the church. I was one year removed from seminary, and as is the case with many seminarians, I thought I had things figured out and therefore did not need the wisdom of the older men.
However, over time I realized that all of these godly men offered insights and experiences about ministry that I needed to hear. While each man had his own theological perspectives and “pet issues,” each was used by God to help mold and shape me in my ministry. I simply needed humility in order to receive what they had to offer.
Rehoboam is a key example of the need for a younger man to embrace humility before the older. In 2 Chronicles 10, King Rehoboam abandoned the wisdom of the older counsellors of his father in favor of the counsel of his own younger peers. It was this decision that brought division within the people of God and split the kingdom.
Even as younger men struggle with generational humility, so do older men in ministry. As I progress further into the “older” group within fundamentalism, I realize that the younger generation is exploring or expanding ideas that, while perhaps are different than what I was exposed to at their age, may be helpful in the ministry as well. I must learn to be humble enough to listen, and discern between what is helpful and true and what is not.
Humility acts as a kind of queen out of whose womb are born all Christian virtues and graces, including those of ministry. This humility, of course, was exemplified by our Savior in His earthly life and ministry. He did only those things that pleased His Father (John 8:29), spoke only those words that the Father wanted Him to say (John 8:26), and submitted His will to that of the Father (Matt. 26:39). He willingly and humbly gave His back to the smiters, the mockers, the false accusers, and the murderers. His humility, even in the face of difficulty and death, is what all believers should strive for, no matter what age.
Five Requirements
What does humility require in this intergenerational relationship? First, humility requires honesty. Members of each generation must take their heads out of the sand and honestly assess their own faults and failures, admit the pride rooted deeply in their hearts, and repent. As C. S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity, “If anyone would like to acquire humility, I can, I think, tell him the first step.
“The first step is to realize that one is proud. And a biggish step, too. At least, nothing whatever can be done before it. If you think you are not conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed.”
Second, humility requires listening. We must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger with each other (James 1:19). We must be willing to have meaningful conversations about important topics (such as translation issues, worship, mentoring/discipleship, culture, etc.), and listen with the intention of learning, understanding, and sharpening each other’s perspectives.
Third, humility requires deference. Biblically speaking, it is the younger who especially are to give deference to the older and be willing to be taught by them (Titus 2). We “younger” men need to give the “older” the respect that they deserve, yet the “older” need to be willing to listen and learn from the “younger” in a respectful way as well. There are things we can learn from each other.
Fourth, humility requires courtesy. Courtesy means that we do not hurl “verbal grenades” at one another because of our differences; rather, we show a gracious spirit even amidst any differences.
Fifth, humility requires interaction. No generation should fear another. Each generation has value in the overall growth of the body of Christ. How should we interact with each other? We should read the books that are influential to each generation, keeping in mind that not everything older is outdated, nor is everything newer compromising. We should hold conferences where both the younger and older are asked to preach, regardless of the size or popularity of their ministries. We should not be afraid of each other’s biblical ideas and perspectives and be willing to hear and implement that which would be helpful for our ministries.
My struggle with humility as a “younger/older” fundamentalist will no doubt continue until the day I die. However, my prayer for us all is that God continues to grow and mature us into the image of Him who is gentle and lowly of heart (Matt. 11:29).
Taigen Joos has been the pastor of Heritage Baptist Church in Dover, New Hampshire, since 2007.
(Originally published in FrontLine • March/April 2018. Click here to subscribe to the magazine.)
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