The following is an email exchange between a reader of this weblog and I. I think you’ll understand what it’s all about when you read. I’ll be out for a few days, so posting will be light, but I really wanted you to read this.
Tim,
I would just like to address an issue that has been bothering me. I have noticed that you are in the habit of correcting adults on various issues. One example is Ingrid Schuleter. While I know you consider yourself of some importance, consider what the Bible has to say. “Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God.” Leviticus 19:32 While it is fine for you to have your own opinions about issues, you need to respect what adults have to say. You should not be telling people who are old enough to be your parents that they are wrong and they need to share your views. Not only is this arrogant, it is simply disrespectful. With age comes wisdom and discernment through God’s word. As you study God’s word, he begins to show you things that you did not often see in your youth. I know this from personal experience. I just wanted to share how you are often coming across. With the dawn of the internet, it is easier than ever for people to have their own bully pulpit from which they may broadcast their views. Share your opinions but do not try to admonish or persuade a godly person who has been serving the Lord longer than you have been alive. 2 Kings 2:23-24 may also be of interest to you. What you are doing is similar in many ways.
My reply:
__________,
First of all, let me express my gratefulness to you for taking time to send me the email. It lets me know that you care, and allows God to speak through you to me–even through email. That seems to happen a lot to me. As a blogger, God sends a lot of messages through email. But mainly, he sends them though his word. And when he speaks to me in these ways, it brings me closer to Him, and leads me into a deeper faith.To be honest with you, your email is not the first one addressing this similar topic. I struggle with pride, and when you blog and get “big” or whatever they call it, the struggle becomes harder. I work on it each and every day, and many times it looks like I’ve conquered it at least on my blog. But I always end up with pride in my life again, and the endless circle continues.
When it comes to “correcting adults” I believe I have striven each and every time to show the utmost respect. But, as you said, I’m not often coming across as having respect. I’m certain many people ask “would he say that to their face?” when reading my posts. And truly, I try to ask that same question and more. I need to work on the tone of my material.
Now, for me, the verse that came immediately came to mind when I read your email was 1 Timothy 4:12:
Don’t let anyone look down on your because you are young, but set and example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
For many, they do not finish that verse. They don’t set an example. And, I must ask myself, “Am I setting an example?” I don’t want a bully pulpit, but want to be an example for the believers!
I thank you for sharing with me what God has laid on your heart. I’ve been thinking long and hard about your email, and others, and will take heed. Please email me again if you see areas where I am in sin, or am not coming across as respectful.
God Bless,
Tim Sweetman
February 5th, 2006 at 6:06 pm
In the end it is the word of God – the Bible – that does the correcting. I have no problem whatsoever with a young person challenging or correcting 37 year old me. While it is true that young people need humility, it is also true that older people need it too – and if God can speak through Balaam’s donkey, he can also speak through you Tim.
February 5th, 2006 at 7:52 pm
Thanks for sharing this Tim. So often I am faced with the same question. In a way, I believe that I should be viewed as an equal and should be heard and respected without regard to my age. But on the other hand, I want to respect others, not become proud, and to remember that I do have much to learn. But to keep this attitude is so hard when others will not listen, but rather write you off.
February 6th, 2006 at 10:43 am
Wow, that is really weird because someone just left a comment on my second blog telling me they thought I was very arrogant and I came across as extremely proud. Your reply to that person really encouraged me in how to reply in the same situation!
February 6th, 2006 at 3:08 pm
Tim, I think you handled that well. It’s a delicate balance between respect for elders and making sure that you represent the truth of Scripture, especially in your case on this blog. I think you actually do a pretty good job of arguing from Scripture instead of taking a prideful stance on your own knowledge, but we can all learn to be a little more humble everyday, you know. Just let God’s Word speak for itself, Tim, and keep up the good work.
February 6th, 2006 at 4:15 pm
I agree with Justin, Tim. You did handle it very well, and you were very open and honest about it. You responded humbly, and you were not offended or angry. Proverbs 8:33 says, “Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.”, and you did just that. Keep up the wonderful work.
February 6th, 2006 at 4:24 pm
No thoughts on the actual correspondence, but I wonder if the person who originally wrote that letter intended for it to be published on the blog, and was ok with your decision to do so?
February 6th, 2006 at 4:52 pm
The author gave me permission to republish his email as long as he remained anonymous. But thanks for looking out for the author.