“The fear of the Lord adds length to life…” (Prov 10:27NIV)
Our culture venerates rock star and sports figures, yet often marginalizes its most knowledgeable and seasoned people. How foolish! As God’s family we should treat one another according to His values. Consider how He wants us to regard our aged. First we must honour them, show respect to the elderly and revere your God (Lev 19:37NIV) Notice, it’s a commandment, not an option. Failing to respect the elderly is failing to respect God. It bears the divine, not the cultural signature! So remember it and teach it to your children. “A grey head is a crown of glory; it is found in the way of righteousness” (Prov 16:31NAS) Second we most encourage them. Encouraging them doesn’t mean patronizing, babying and doing everything for them. These behaviours destroy their dignity and disempower them. Encouraging them means believing in their God giving abilities and emphasizing their positive, productive qualities; it means motivating them to stay involved in significant service, not just busying them with meaningless and humiliating mundane tasks… they feel like they’re making a difference when their skills and wisdom are recognized. Third we must support them: this includes financial and material assistance offered according to practical biblical guidelines (1 Timothy 5:1-16) Failing here means we’ve … denied the faith and (are) worse than an unbeliever” (V8NKJV) support means including them as a vital part of our family and church activities. Support them also requires that we regularly talk to God about them and their needs. (TWFT)
PRAYER LINE: Pray God to give you the wisdom to sow into the lives of the aged. You will reap in due season.
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God can use you at any age.