“Something Old, Something New”

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

     I am a member of a local church (thought to be very small and very unwelcoming by some).  They’re all older people, and they always say that they are "old Christians" in comparison to what they think of my family and I, "new Christians".  They act like they know more about the Bible and the way everything should be because they’re older Christians.  And we don't know that much because we're new… which we’re not.  My family and I have been Christians for a very long time, and I try to read and study the Bible everyday.  My question is: is it biblical to call someone or say someone is a "new Christian"?  I know it feels like they're cutting me down; I think, and correct me if I'm wrong, but aren’t we all the same in God’s eyes?  Thank you so much.  God bless.

Sincerely,
Not That New

Dear Not That New,

The Bible does talk about novice Christians (1 Tim 3:6) and those who, through diligence and time, have become pillars in the church (Gal 2:9)… but they are supposed to be a blessing to each other, not a rivalry.  Paul told Timothy to not let anyone look down on his youth but to show himself an example of faithful living (1 Tim 4:12).  Paul admonished Timothy to treat the older saints with respect and the younger Christians as brothers and sisters (1 Tim 5:1-2).  A congregation that forgets that age and youth are both needed in their own right is soon to fall upon hard times.

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