Honor Past Generations Series

Scripture says that spiritually minded people love to be a blessing to their parents, “But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God” (1 Timothy 5:4). Our most important mission field is our home, if we don’t have our home in order, then we certainly shouldn’t be in the ministry. Good Christians show godliness at home and repay (requite) parents. The phrase “good and acceptable,” refers back to the Old Testament about giving offerings. God is saying that if you want to give an offering that is acceptable to God, take care of your mom and dad. Obviously, no child will ever sufficiently repay their parents. There’s no way to repay them for all that they’ve done, but God says we should try to give back however we can.

This doesn’t mean you are obligated to uproot your lives and move across the country to care for them personally. When Peter got old, Jesus told him in affect, “I don’t want to have to tell you this, but as you age, other people are going to lead you, care for you and take you places you may not want to go” (John 21). One day, as I was reading this passage, I realized that the elderly may have to lose their independence at some point. Young families are often settled and have jobs which means, sometimes, the older parents who are not working will have to be the ones that have to relocate.

This care is mainly physical, but it may include spiritual matters. Even if you are not mentally coherent, the Bible has a way of sinking into the spirit. Parents need total care. God is very serious about this matter, “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1 Timothy 5:8). Faith deniers are commandment deniers. The fifth command of God to Moses says to honor your parents. God says if you don’t take care of your parents, which is the first command with a promise, then you don’t have a true faith, in fact, you are even worse than an infidel (a person who doesn’t even know Christ), at least they take care of their family. My friend, even animals take care of their family! Don’t ever imagine that you’re being a good Christian if you are not doing what you can to help your aged parents. Of course, you can only do what you can do. There are certain circumstances that you just aren’t allowed to fix, but by God’s grace we can do what we can.

I read a story this past week that talks about taking care of senior citizens. “I am a senior citizen. I am the life of the party even when it lasts ‘til 8 P.M. I am a senior citizen. I am very good at opening childproof caps with a hammer. I’m usually interested in going home before I get to where I’m going. I’m good on a trip for at least an hour without my aspirin. I’m the first one to find the bathroom. Wherever I go I awake many hours before my body allows me to get up. I’m smiling all the time, why? Because I can’t hear a word you’re saying. I’m very good at telling stories over and over and over again. I’m aware that other people’s grandchildren are just not as bright as mine. I’m so cared for – long-term care, eye care, private care, and dental care. I’m not grouchy...I just don’t like traffic. I don’t like waiting. I don’t like children. I don’t like politicians. I’m positive I did house work correctly before the Internet. I’m sure what I can’t find is in a secure place. I’m wrinkled, saggy, and lumpy and that’s just my left leg, I’m a senior citizen and I’m having the time of my life.”