Introductory Thoughts
Much of a young person’s character or lack thereof is demonstrated in his behaviour toward adults and especially the elderly. In Isaiah chapter 3, the Bible speaks of a time when the judgment of God will be upon His people, and one of the characteristics of the day will be that “the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient.” The prophet Elisha dealt with such children when they came out of the city mocking him saying, “Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head” (2 Kings 2:23). Apparently, Job endured a similar problem as he said, “young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me” (Job 19:18). Children can be cruel, and in doing so they reveal an evil heart displeasing to the Lord. It is never a good idea to encourage children to be insolent and impolite toward adults.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): People can tell what kind of child you are by the way you act (Proverbs 20:11). Before the Lord returns, people will turn away from God more and more. Paul referred to this as perilous times. One way the youth will turn away involves being disobedient to parents (2 Timothy 3:1-2). Will you choose to obey or disobey (Luke 11:28)?
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(For everyone): For what did the children mock Elisha? Why did the children likely despise Job? Did these men have any control over these areas of their lives? How does this demonstrate cruelty?
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How should children treat adults? What kind of relationship should they seek with the elderly? Should there ever be a time when a young person mocks or disrespects an adult?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to raise up a respectful generation of young people.
- Ask the Lord to convict you for foolish mockery.
Song
Yield Not to Temptation
