Respect for the Elderly

Chuckle: "We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through Congress." -- Will Rogers

Quote: "Life is short, and we have never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us. Oh, be swift to love, make haste to be kind!" --Henri Frederic Amiel

"Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as though he were your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. Treat the older women as you would your mother, and treat the younger women with all purity as your own sisters" (1 Timothy 5:1-2 NLT).

In general, there seems to be a growing attitude of disrespect for others in our society. Many have little or no respect for authority and little respect for themselves or others, especially the elderly. I read somewhere that a good measure of a nations health is the way it treats its elderly. No doubt you have seniors in your family, community, and church who yearn to know they are loved, respected and appreciated. Their long lives reflect God's honor and blessings on them and has given them the time to increase in knowledge and wisdom. Ignoring this great reservoir of wisdom shows a definite lack of respect on our part.

I don't want to appear self-serving, since I am a member of our older generation, but the seniors in America are deserving of respect and honor because of their tremendous contribution to the building of this great nation. Their perseverance and personal sacrifice have no doubt added significantly to our quality of life and we owe them much. Many of them are great role models of faithfulness to our Lord and sacrificial service to others. When you think of all they have done for you, an attitude of love, thanksgiving, and respect should follow.

The Bible is an all-sufficient instructional manual for our inter-personal relationships, both in our biological families as well as our spiritual families. Please note in our 1 Timothy passage that the emphasis is on giving the same respect to all people that you give to your own parents and siblings. The passage assumes respect, honor and thoughtfulness will be shown to our biological family members, and uses this as a model for how we should treat others. Unfortunately, this model of caring and respect is missing in many biological families, and sometimes even in spiritual families.

As a pastor, I have made untold numbers of visits to elderly and disabled residents of nursing homes and assisted living centers. It’s a joy to see residents regularly receiving expressions of love and respect by family members and friends. However, I’m deeply saddened when I see mothers, fathers and grandparents who have been "deposited" in such facilities and seemingly forgotten. Some residents seldom receive visits from family members who show little interest in letting them know they are loved, valued, and respected. This is a terrible tragedy which all of us need to address and do our part to correct.

Next time, we will consider some ways to show respect for the elderly.

Love, Jerry & Dotse