It seems that regardless of the galaxy one lives in; there is a mild hostility or lack of respect among some of the younger generations towards the older generation.
In A New Hope, Han Solo, referencing Obi-Wan, asks Luke, “Where did you dig up that old fossil?”
An excited Luke tries to rebuke Han by claiming “Ben is a great man.”
Unconvinced, Han retorts, “Yeah, great at getting us into trouble.”
Despite Han being older than Luke by more than a decade, he was blinded to the wisdom and knowledge that Obi-Wan had and was unable to respect the old man.
Throughout Scripture, both the Old and New Testaments, we commanded to respect and care for our elderly, especially widows.
In Leviticus 19:32a, we are commanded to “stand up in the presence of the elderly and show respect for the aged.”
In 1 Peter 5:5a, “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders.”
Exodus 20:12 tells us to “honor your father and your mother that your days may be long in the land the that the Lord your God is giving you.”
We should “never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father,” 1 Timothy 5:1.
How can we show respect? We can stand up when they enter the room (a bit old school but worth it), we can speak kindly to them without being harsh (especially when explaining something to them), and listen to them.
With God’s blessing, we too, will get older someday.
Remember what Proverbs 16:31 tells us, “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in righteous life.”
