Passing the Torch from One Generation to the Next

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. Luke 1:50

I am noticing a peculiar situation, lots of my friends seem to be getting old! I am finding it interesting that what I always thought was old, I now realize I am that person. I grew up when the saying, “Don’t trust anyone over 30” became a major buzzphrase. The phrase was coined by a then-youthful student organizer Jack Weinberg.

Weinberg who is now in his mid-eighties said of the quote, “I’ve done some things in my life I think are very important, and my one sentence in history turns out to be something I said off the top of my head which became completely distorted and misunderstood. But I’ve become more accepting of fate as I get older.”

The subject of age has been a major topic in the news and among political commentators over the last few weeks. In particular, there have been hours of discussion on whether a septuagenarian or an octogenarian is up to the task of being the president. The Founding Fathers gave a lot of thought to how young a president should be but not about how old. Georgia history professor Buckner Melton noted that “A minimum age limit was put into place because age was the best corollary they had for sound judgment, maturity and what we might refer to as wisdom.” (Natalie Escobar article in NPR)

Age limits weren’t considered necessary since very few people lived into their 60s in the 1700s. Most likely you have an opinion on whether age is a factor for the two major party candidates in the current United States election. However, I am more focused on the generational responsibility from one generation to the next.

Naming the generations is a fairly new, within the last 50 years or so, concept. Social historians, government agencies, and social media outlets have used the segmented population for their particular purposes. However, the biggest component of generational segmentation is in the advertising and marketing world. Demographic and consumer markets expert Peter Francese highlighted the fact that “The ad agencies have a mission and an imperative to bring to their clients news of what’s going on in the marketplace. And so, inevitably, they segment the American population into various groups. The necessity to do that means that they sit around and they come up with names.”

Generations are no longer defined just by your age alone but by your consumer value. Advertising that was once centered on Baby Boomers has moved to the millennials until Generation Z and Generation Alphas are of commercial value. The problem with segmenting people, you create stereotypes of what a category should do or be. Regardless of what category you find yourself in, you still have a responsibility for the generation that follows.

What does one generation owe the next?

Generations need to tell their stories. In a 1983 speech, retired Admiral Hyman G. Rickover said, “A cause of many of our mistakes and problems is ignorance—an overwhelming national ignorance of the facts about the rest of the world. It is necessary to learn from other’s mistakes, you will not live long enough to make them all yourself.” Scripture reminds us to record our stories for the next generation to learn and worship God. “Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD.” (Ps 102:18)

Generations need to pass on their faith. “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.” Psalm 71:18 There is an abundance of research and articles on the rise of the Nones, those who have walked away from faith. The neglect of one generation to pass on their faith has generational significance. According to the Pew Research Center, “The growth in the number of religiously unaffiliated Americans—sometimes called the rise of the “nones”—is largely driven by generational replacement, the gradual supplanting of older generations by newer ones. “

Generations need to pass on a legacy of integrity and character. “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” (Ps 145:4) The last of one generation is fast coming to an end with less than 200,000 still living. Known as The Greatest Generation, they were born between 1901 and 1927. Integrity, hard work, and responsibility are just a few of the common identifiers. Tom Brokaw, in his New York Times bestseller called, The Greatest Generation, highlighted the courage and contribution of men and women who were forged in the depth of the Great Depression and the horrors of World War II. Brokaw writes in his book, “I began to reflect on the wonders of these ordinary people whose lives are laced with the markings of greatness. At every stage of their lives, they were part of historic challenges and achievements of a magnitude the world had never before witnessed.” A generation is usually identified as 20-30 years, making Warren Buffett’s warning very important. He writes “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.”

Generations can change the narrative before passing it to the next generation. One generation fought wars to keep slavery from passing to the next generation. One generation fought legal battles to ensure the practice of segregation was ended. One generation fought against totalitarianism to enable the next generation to live in a free world. Each generation will have their evils to fight against but they can change the narrative for the next generation. We often overlook a beautiful part of the Second Commandment.  The sins of the parents are to the “third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” (Ex 20: 4b) Our generation can change the “sins” of their parents and not pass onto their children. A changed generation instead can pass on a life of hope, faith, and a new story.

What do we owe the next generation?

Hear, my child, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life. Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evildoers. Proverbs 4:10-14

God is great!