“Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses” – 1 Timothy 5:19 (NKJV).
It is a good and appropriate behaviour for a Christian to respect his seniors. An elder is someone who is of older stock in a christian congregation. Someone’s parent is among his elders. A senior person to you is your elder. Parentage is not limited to biological line. In the African society a child is not trained by the parent alone; his training is the responsibility of the elders that he comes in contact with. This was what made our society then of unique nature where respect for elders was properly entrenched in our daily life. Though societal values has degenerated to a high level of moral decadence where respect for elders is nonexistent.
Christianity holds such practice at high esteem. It is on this premise Paul was writing to Timothy as in our above scriptures. The elders in question here are those who have been appointed by reason of both age and spiritual standing. They are part of the church council. They are elders who have received good report (See Tìtus 1:5-9). The scriptures admonished us in Exodus 20:12(NKJV): “Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is given you”. This is the only commandment with a promise. Respecting and honouring our parents and elders is a good Christian virtue that gives completeness to our Christian living. The bible says, “Whoever curseth his father or mother, his lamp will be put out in deep darkness” – Prov20:20. This is a value that has been lost in the society that must be practiced in the present. Giving respect to elders is a scriptural instruction that must be obeyed without reservation. A child that does not respect his parent is bound to be disrespectful to elders. However, Paul instructed Timothy that only accusation witnessed by two or three witnesses against an elder should be entertained.
Everyone has an elder around him. What is your relationship with these elders like? What respect have you accorded them? Whoever is reading this write up has an elder around him that he should consciously show respect to. If we all begin to practice this heavenly virtue, our society will be filled with so much progress, honour and love.
Prayer: Father please grant me the grace and strength of character to uphold this wonderful virtue all the days of my life.
Bro. Joel Ezeugo