1Timothy 5:1. “Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;”
REBUKE. To speak the truth in such a way as to win the man and yet to say, What needs to be said to save the day -
Takes careful thought.
The work one does in the Savior’s cause gives him the right to respect even though there are flaws – In decisions made.
To guide the flock and maintain the truth takes a man of grace in all he does, and his work is what will give the proof – That he is called by God.
Many of the saints who look to him will want his choices to favor them, but he will make it clear that the work he is given – Has a higher claim.
He is a shepherd, yes, that is a fact, but he has not been given the right to act, in a partial way behind the back – Of the church of God.
For the day will come when he gives account to the Chief Shepherd of the chosen flock, that his decisions made are like an open book – In the Master’s eyes.
What he really needs from us is prayers, that he, with others in the work he shares, will all be preserved from the devil’s snares – By intercession.
To rebuke this man would indeed be wrong, for even though it seems he is strong, in the work he has done, he may need someone – To come alongside.
He is not a man who is infallible, and there will probably be times when he is malleable, and some will wonder if he is credible – Because he makes mistakes.
It is clear to me that what he needs is support and prayers and faithful deeds, on the part of those for whom he cares and feeds – Not rebuke.
I can honor him even when I know that the decisions made are sometimes slow, and he, with his peers, doesn’t know where to go – For the flock’s best good.
When the Spirit raised him, to pastor them, who are God’s own flock who belong to Him; it is mine to follow and support him then – And obey God’s Word.
“Great Shepherd of the sheep of Thy choosing: it is with an understanding of some of the difficulties that can be laid on the under-shepherds that I intercede on their behalf. In this place, some of these men are too old to respond to the needs of the flock. Others have been placed in a role by men, and they do not know what to do. Others are getting tired of the ongoing responsibilities of meeting the spiritual needs of others. Give these elders supernatural grace and wisdom to make the right decisions. Help them to anticipate the needs of the Lord’s people ahead of time and act in the Spirit’s leading. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
A loving son does not take away his father's dignity, but with love and courtesy, makes plain what has to change and/or be done to maintain one's integrity and reputation. This is the approach a younger brother takes toward the older brothers. His attitude and actions toward his younger brothers are similar. He is not to be patronizing in any way nor acting superior, but is to treat his brother in Christ like one would expect to be treated himself by brothers who have his highest good in mind. Candor is often appreciated by equals, but with the understanding of a matter that can bring change, not accusations. Older women and their needs are not to be dismissed or distained. Instead, they deserve to be politely addressed with grace, kindness, and the respect one would show toward their mother by nature. Casual attitudes and familiarity from young people are demeaning toward one who is old enough to be a grandmother. Young women should not be harassed or treated with undue familiarity. There is proper behavior expected from young people when they are together to look and act in a godly manner toward those of the opposite sex. A young man should hold his sisters in Christ in the honor he holds for his sister in the flesh. Respect, compassion, honesty, and purity should be the practice among the people of God toward each other - and really - toward everyone.